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. 

We have recently changed our provision as we constantly look for new ways to build longer-term relationships between Houseparents and pupils; increase the opportunity to build cross-year relationships and strengthen stronger house identities.  

Our new approach prioritises transition from each educational stage; Junior to Middle School then Middle School to Sixth Form. The following amends are being made effective from September 2023: 

Evans will be re-named as Pringle

Evans houses our 2^nd Form and 3^rd Form, boarders and day boys. 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

Both Laidlaw North and South will exclusively be used for all Sixth Form students, housing Lower Sixth and Upper Sixth students both boarding and day. We believe this strengthens the year group bonds and provides an excellent experience as they prepare for the next stage of their education.

This new structure provides a clear line of progression through the school, allows for long-term, strong pastoral relationships to be built and means that proud house identities can be developed.

Junior Years

Middle Years

Sixth Form