For many parents, the idea of sending a child to board feels overwhelming. For Rebecca, one of our current parents, living over 4,000 miles away in the Middle East, it felt even more momentous. Yet what began as a daunting prospect soon became a decision filled with reassurance, connection and unexpected ease. With her son Winston now thriving in his fourth year at Merchiston, Rebecca reflects on what it is really like to support a boarder from afar, how the school has become an extension of family, and why the distance feels far smaller than she ever imagined.
Read about Rebecca’s experience as a Merchiston parent, below:
When we first considered boarding for our son, Winston, it felt like a daunting step, particularly from so far away. However, travel from the Middle East to Edinburgh is very straightforward, with plenty of direct flights and only a 15-minute taxi journey from the airport to Merchiston. This convenience made the whole process feel far less overwhelming.
Although Winston has lived in Abu Dhabi all his life, Edinburgh has always been our summer refuge. When the time came to choose a school, Merchiston already felt familiar and reassuring. The setting was the first thing that captivated us: 100 acres of greenery and open space, which was everything our outdoors-loving boy had been craving after years in the desert. The fact that it is a dedicated boys’ school of a size where staff genuinely know each pupil made the decision even easier.
Winston settled in quickly. Merchiston’s facilities opened the door to sports and activities he had never had access to at home, such as hockey, cricket and golf, and even the chance to learn the bagpipes. The school encourages the boys to embrace new experiences, including DofE, CCF, orchestras, drama and the excellent pipe band.
What reassured us most was the pastoral care. The boarding houses feel like small families, warm and cosy, and the staff know the boys exceptionally well. Winston loves life in Chalmers West, filling his weekends with rugby, gym sessions, walks in the Pentlands Hill, trips into town and golf in the summer.
Despite living 4,000 miles away, we feel deeply connected. Communication is excellent, and the Head’s weekly round-up emails help us feel part of the school’s daily rhythm.
We feel incredibly fortunate to be part of the Merchiston community. Winston is thriving, learning, laughing and truly happy. What more could we ask for?
If you are interested in finding out more about a Merchiston education for your child, contact our Admissions Department at admissions@merchiston.co.uk.