Media Quotes

The only Scottish School to be awarded membership of the World Leading Schools Association.  

“A balanced curriculum, excellent pastoral care and a high A Level pass rate make Merchiston one of the UK’s leading independent schools.” - UK Boarding Schools

 “Traditional – good manners, boys say ma’am when they greet you – but with a modern, international outlook. ‘The Merchiston culture stood out above other schools. Just a polish about the boys, quietly confident and a camaraderie that I really liked,’ a parent reported about their first visit to the school. ‘Merchi’ boys are most commonly tantalised by STEM and sport, we heard - but not all, of course, and because it’s a small school every type of boy is supported to find their niche.”  Good Schools Guide

"Amazing facilities, loads of music, thriving drama – Merchiston offers the full package. Boys are encouraged to ‘beat their own best’ in all their efforts and there’s a heartening emphasis on building confidence ‘but certainly not arrogance’……..” - Tatler Schools Guide, 2019

Last year pupils scored 47 per cent A*/A grades at A-level, but, as one parent puts it, this is ‘Not an academic hothouse, but a school that helps boys discover their talents and achieve’. Extracurricular is at the core of learning here, and we’re not just talking about rugby…….."

"An average of 141 UCAS points (AAA being 144) bears testimony to high teaching standards." - Tatler Schools Guide, 2020

"One father spoke of  a Merchiston boy who, dressed in home clothes, held a shop door open for a lady in Edinburgh: she thanked him saying 'I guess you're from Merchiston then'."  - Tatler Schools Guide, 2020

"These all-rounders are academic heavy-weights to boot: in 2019, 16 boys achieved a clean sweep of A*-As at GCSE and 10 did so at A Level. " - Tatler Schools Guide, 2021