School Structure

House System

When your son joins Merchiston, he joins a house system designed to integrate students and provide consistent care from a dedicated team of Houseparents. 

Our approach prioritises transition from each educational stage; Junior to Middle School then Middle School to Sixth Form and increases the opportunity for cross year relationships and the strengthening of house identities. 

Pringle 

Pringle is home to our Junior pupils J5-3rd Form. This provides an excellent opportunity for them to progress towards Middle School and get used to the Middle/Senior school environment. 

Chalmers

The newly refurbished Chalmers East and Chalmers West provide boarding for our 4^th, Shell and 5^th Form students. Effectively these become two vertical houses providing cross-year interactions and for those in 5^th Form, responsibilities within the house. 

Rogerson

Rogerson is the Day House for all those in 4^th, Shell and 5^th, giving them a base throughout their day at Merchiston. They will still have all the usual opportunities to socialise with their boarding friends alongside the new opportunity again for cross-year interactions. 

Laidlaw

Laidlaw North and South are exclusively used by our Sixth Form students. We believe this strengthens the year group bonds and provides an excellent experience as they prepare for the next stage of their education.

This structure provides a clear line of progression through Merchiston and allows for long-term pastoral relationships to be built and proud house identities to be developed.

Junior Years

Middle Years

Sixth Form