We understand that school fees represent a significant investment for families, and it is a responsibility we never take lightly. At Merchiston, we are committed to offering exceptional value, with a clear, transparent and inclusive approach to what is covered.
Our fees include all tuition, meals and snacks, as well as travel for school fixtures and careers guidance. For boarding pupils, fees also include full 24-hour pastoral care and supervision, together with laundry services (excluding dry cleaning). Forest fees include all meals, workbooks and workshops. There are no compulsory extras and parents receive notice of all additional costs.
This inclusive approach means there are no unexpected add-ons for the core elements of school life, allowing every pupil to fully embrace the academic, co-curricular and pastoral opportunities that Merchiston offers, whether joining us as a day pupil or boarder.
Fees Summary 2026-2027
The Forest at Merchiston – Nursery & Junior School
| Nursery | |
|---|---|
| Half Day with Lunch (current families only) | £2,384 per term |
| Full Day with Lunch | £3,975 per term |
| Occasional Afternoons (by arrangement) | £68.25 per session |
| Junior School | |
|---|---|
| Primary 1 to 3 | £5,148 per term |
| Primary 4 to 7 | £5,976 per term |
Merchiston Junior School (First Form – Third Form)
| Day Plus (8:00am – 6:30pm) | Flexi-boarding (2 consecutive nights) |
|---|---|
| £6,300 per term | £8,124 per term |
Senior School Fees (Fourth Form – Sixth Form)
| Day (8:00am – 4:30pm) | Day Plus (8:00am – 9:00pm) | Flexi-boarding (2 consecutive nights) | Full Boarding |
|---|---|---|---|
| £8,640 per term | £12,870 per term | £14,694 per term | £17,748 per term |
The above fees are inclusive of VAT. A list of Extra Charges is available here.
Sports Academies
| Academy | Fees (in addition to school fees) |
|---|---|
| Tennis Academy Performance Squad | £2,268 per annum |
| Tennis Academy Development Squad | £1,098 per annum |
| Golf Academy Performance Squad | £3,942 per annum |
| Golf Academy Development Squad | £2,142 per annum |
Additional Fees
| Fee Item | Fees (in addition to school fees) |
|---|---|
| Occasional Boarding | £94 per night |
| English as an Additional Language | £12 per lesson |
| Other Extra Items | School fee accounts may also include charges for ‘Extra Items,’ which are added to fee notes in the term following the activity for which the charge is raised. |
Fee Concessions
Merchiston offers a range of fee concessions for which you may qualify, including:
- Sibling Discounts: If you have more than one child attending Merchiston at the same time, you may be eligible for a Sibling Discount of 5% (second child), 20% (third child) and 40% (fourth child).
- Joint Fee Schemes: Merchiston operates a joint fee scheme with St George’s School for Girls, Edinburgh.
- Armed Forces Families: Merchiston is a 10% school in support of Forces families. Families of currently serving HM Armed Forces personnel in receipt of the CEA are eligible for a fee remission where the parental contribution is limited to 10% of the full boarding fee. Further details
- Alumni Discounts: Children of Merchistonians are eligible for a 10% discount for the first year.
Please note that only one concession is available per pupil and does not extend to Additional or Extra Charges.
School Fee Plan
As an alternative to paying your school fees termly, you can apply to pay your school fees and extras via monthly repayments through School Fee Plan. Credit is subject to status, terms and conditions apply and you must be over 18. Please note this service is available for UK residents only.
Merchiston Castle School is an Introducer appointed representative of Premium Credit Limited which is Authorised and Regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority FRN702718. School Fee Plan is a trading name of Premium Credit Limited (company number 02015200).
Billing Schedule
| Term | Fees Issued |
|---|---|
| Autumn Term | July |
| Lent Term | December |
| Summer Term | March |
The first term’s fees will be payable by the first day of term, and an invoice is sent out in August. Unless otherwise agreed by the School, fees are payable termly and must be paid by the first day of term. There are 3 terms in each year. Other arrangements for fee payment may be available on application to the Bursar at bursar@merchiston.co.uk.
If, after your child joins the School, fees are outstanding, the School reserves the right to refuse to allow them to continue attending the School (or may withhold references) whilst fees remain unpaid. The School reserves the right to charge interest on sums which are outstanding (charged at 1.5% above Bank of England base rate).
It is a requirement of entry to Merchiston that your financial obligations to other schools must be fulfilled.
Additional information on our fees can be found on the Fee Schedule.
