In 2018, Merchiston Castle School expanded its educational reach with the opening of Merchiston International School in Shenzhen, China. Purpose-built to deliver a high-quality international education, the school welcomes boys and girls aged 5 to 18.

The campus is designed for up to 1,200 pupils and offers a fully boarding senior school for up to 600 students. Pupils follow a structured academic pathway, studying a Sino-Scottish curriculum in the junior years before progressing to IGCSEs and A Levels in the senior school.

The establishment of Merchiston International School came in response to growing global demand for British-style education overseas. It was developed through a close collaboration with China-based parent and investor Mr Jianjun Lyu, who was so impressed by the education his son received at Merchiston in Edinburgh that he sought to extend that ethos to families in China. This partnership has since grown into an exclusive agreement to develop a wider family of Merchiston-branded schools across the country.

A Shared Educational Philosophy

While operating independently, Merchiston International School is inspired by the same educational principles that define life at Merchiston in Edinburgh. The focus is on academic excellence, strong pastoral care and the development of confident, well-rounded young people.

The curriculum blends the strengths of British independent education with the depth and rigour of traditional Chinese academic study. This approach offers pupils a distinctive and challenging learning experience that prepares them for entry to leading universities around the world.

Global Opportunities and Exchange

The connection between the schools also creates valuable opportunities for collaboration. Exchange programmes for pupils and staff allow both communities to benefit from shared expertise, broaden cultural understanding and experience different educational environments.

Supporting the Future of Merchiston

The development of Merchiston International School also supports the long-term sustainability and growth of Merchiston Castle School. It helps to strengthen our means-tested bursary provision and enables continued investment in outstanding facilities for current and future pupils.

Above all, it reflects the growing international reputation of a Merchiston education, rooted in tradition, enriched by global perspectives and focused on preparing young people to thrive in a rapidly changing world.