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Short Stay and Immersion Programmes

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Spend part of your summer at Merchiston Castle School, Scotland's only all-boys independent boarding school. Set on our beautiful 100-acre campus just minutes from the centre of Edinburgh, Merchiston offers short-stay and immersion programmes designed to inspire confidence, friendship and achievement. 

With a long tradition of welcoming international students, Merchiston provides a caring and inclusive community where every boy is supported to develop his confidence, independence and sense of adventure. Beginning June 2026, Merchiston will welcome boys aged 11–17 for short-stay and immersion programmes in tennis, golf and academic enrichment.

Academic and Boarding Life at Merchiston

Life at Merchiston is purposeful, busy and full of opportunity. Academic excellence is woven into every part of school life, with small classes, inspiring teachers and a culture that encourages boys to think ambitiously and work hard.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom, as boarders develop independence, leadership and resilience through shared experiences and daily routines. Modern boarding houses provide space and comfort, while dedicated pastoral teams ensure every boy is known, valued and supported.

Within a safe and vibrant community, boys quickly feel at home allowing them to balance study, sport and social life in a way that nurtures both character and curiosity.

Tennis Academy

Recently named Tennis Scotland’s School of the Year 2025, Merchiston Tennis Academy is one of Britain’s leading school programmes. Players combine elite coaching and match play with the full experience of boarding school life.

Merchiston's summer tennis programme includes:

  • Up to 15 hours of tennis coaching each week
  • Strength and conditioning with performance coaches
  • Access to indoor and outdoor courts on campus
  • Weekend cultural visits and excursions
  • Boarding in modern, comfortable accommodation
  • Entry by assessment (selection by the Director of Tennis)
  • The chance to develop English language skills via our EAL Department

Golf Academy

Merchiston Golf Academy offers first-class coaching within a supportive school environment. Led by PGA professionals and a Golf Performance Psychologist, boys focus on improving every part of their game from technique and fitness to mindset and match play.

Merchiston's summer golf programme includes:

  • Up to 15 hours of coaching and conditioning per week
  • Access to Swanston Golf Club and Scotland’s top courses
  • New state-of-the-art golf simulator for detailed swing analysis
  • Technical, physical and mental performance development
  • Weekend cultural visits and excursions
  • Modern boarding facilities within a friendly school community
  • Entry by assessment (selection by the Director of Golf)
  • The chance to develop English language skills via our EAL Department

Boarding and School Immersion

Merchiston's Boarding and School Immersion Programme offers boys aged 11–17 the chance to experience life as a Merchiston pupil. Participants join academic lessons, take part in sports and activities and enjoy weekend excursions across Scotland.

Merchiston's Boarding and School Immersion Programme includes:

  • Full integration into academic and boarding life
  • Daily co-curricular, sport and cultural activities
  • Weekend trips in and around Edinburgh
  • A close-knit, welcoming boarding community
  • The chance to develop English language skills via our EAL Department

Programme Fees

Tennis Academy

£6,500 (book by 16 January 2025)
£6,700  (book after 16 January 2025)

Golf Academy

£6,500 (book by 16 January 2025)
£6,700  (book after 16 January 2025)

General Boarding and School Immersion

£6,150 (book by 16 January 2025)
£6,350 (book after 16 January 2025)

Fees include: VAT, meals, accommodation, tuition, laundry and trips

Not included: Airport transfers (£50 return per student if arranged by the school, available for arrivals at and departures from Edinburgh Airport on Sunday 31 May and Friday 26 June within the published travel window).

Location and Accommodation

Location

Merchiston Castle School, 294 Colinton Road, Edinburgh, EH13 0PU

Accommodation

Modern boarding facilities on a 100-acre campus. Rooms are a mix of dormitories and smaller rooms depending on the age of the student.

For questions or to discuss Merchiston's short-stay and immersion programmes, please contact us at immersion@merchiston.co.uk.