All You Need to know about Boarding (FAQs)

Boarding children grow in confidence, as they learn to take responsibility for themselves. They become more independent as they progress up the school and more organised. They learn to get to the right place at the right time with the right equipment and kit. Living in a community also encourages understanding, respect and consideration of others.

Children love spending time with their friends and enjoy a good social life as boarders. Without the daily travel they have more free time. This means time to spend with friends, better access to a wide range of activities and an ability to use the fantastic facilities available.

Formal visits can be arranged through one of our Open Days which take place in the Spring and Autumn terms. Alternatively, you can always arrange an informal visit where we can arrange for you to have a personal tour, visit the boarding houses and get a feel for the school.

There are also a number of opportunities to sample boarding through one of our popular boarding taster weekends. Details of these weekends are available in the Admissions section of the website or through the Admissions team.

Around 65% of pupils board. The proportion is generally higher in the older age groups than in the younger ones. Due to the nature of the day at Merchiston with many day pupils staying for after-school activities and boarding on an occasional basis, the difference between day and boarding pupils is largely seamless.

We have a small number of international pupils who contribute to the rich and diverse life at Merchiston. Our overseas pupils currently make up around 20% of the boarding community.

Only pupils whose parents are resident outside the UK require a guardian, our full policy regarding guardians is available here.

However, the house parents should be informed if parents are away from home for a significant period and advised who will be acting "in loco parentis" if applicable.

Children are allowed to board at Merchiston from the age of 7 when they join Year 4. We have children joining the boarding community in most, if not all year groups each year.

The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA), of which Merchiston is a member, has published a COVID-Safe Charter. Merchiston is proud to follow this charter and to ensure full compliance. The BSA COVID-Safe Charter has been created to give parents and pupils confidence that a school is taking appropriate measures to ensure that the classrooms and residential accommodation are a safe place to live and work.

View the BSA COVID-safe Charter here.