Co-curricular life at Merchiston is an integral part of the student experience, offering opportunities to explore new interests, develop existing strengths and build confidence beyond the classroom.
From the outset, students are encouraged to engage widely by trying different activities, discovering what they enjoy and gaining as much as possible from each experience. The skills developed through co-curricular involvement, such as teamwork, resilience, creativity and leadership, are as valuable as those developed academically.
As interests begin to take shape, students are supported to pursue them in greater depth, whether that is in sport, music, the creative arts or other areas. For those balancing multiple commitments, guidance is provided to ensure a healthy and sustainable approach.
Sport is a central part of school life, with rugby the most widely played. Music also plays a significant role, with a large number of students involved in ensembles and the Chapel Choir. Alongside these, a wide range of other activities ensures that every student can find something that challenges and engages them.
At every stage, the focus is on participation, progress and enjoyment; helping students to develop confidence, discover new strengths and build interests that may last well beyond school.
Co-Curricular Options at Merchiston
Engaging with the Arts in Edinburgh
Merchiston’s location in Edinburgh provides exceptional access to one of the UK’s most vibrant cultural scenes, and this is central to the school’s Arts Programme.
Each term, a curated programme of events offers students the opportunity to experience a wide range of high-quality performances and exhibitions, including music, theatre, opera, film and visual arts. Students can choose to attend as many events as they wish, with tickets and transport arranged by the school, making participation straightforward and accessible.
The programme also includes performances and exhibitions involving Merchiston students, encouraging a strong culture of support and shared experience across the school community.
Broadening Perspectives
Engagement with the arts plays an important role in personal development. Exposure to high-quality cultural experiences helps students to develop curiosity, critical thinking and a broader understanding of the world around them.
Students are encouraged to explore beyond their usual interests, often discovering new forms of expression and appreciation. Experiences such as attending an orchestral concert or an opera for the first time can be particularly impactful, broadening horizons in ways that extend well beyond the classroom.
A Unique Opportunity
Few schools are able to offer such regular and direct access to leading cultural institutions. Students attend performances at venues such as the Usher Hall, Royal Lyceum Theatre, Edinburgh Playhouse and Festival Theatre, and engage with organisations including Scottish Opera, Scottish Chamber Orchestra and Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
This proximity to a world-class arts scene ensures that cultural engagement is not occasional, but a regular and valued part of school life.
Encouraging Participation
The Arts Programme is designed to be inclusive and accessible to all students, regardless of prior experience. By removing barriers to participation and encouraging students to try something new, the programme helps to build confidence and a lasting appreciation of the arts.
For many, these experiences become highlights of their time at school; shaping interests, broadening perspectives and, in some cases, inspiring lifelong passions.
Tradition, Leadership and Personal Development
With its first parade held in 1884, Merchiston’s Combined Cadet Force (CCF) is the oldest continuously parading CCF in Scotland and is recognised as one of the leading school contingents in the country.
The CCF forms a well-established part of school life, supported by the armed forces and grounded in values that align closely with the ethos of Merchiston.
Structured Training and Progression
The CCF parades every Wednesday afternoon and is a compulsory part of the Shell year, with participation becoming optional in later years.
In their first year, cadets are introduced to core skills such as drill, fieldcraft and safe weapon handling. Through this, they develop confidence, self-discipline and strong organisational habits.
As students progress, training becomes more advanced, with increasing emphasis on leadership, teamwork and decision-making. Senior cadets have the opportunity to undertake formal courses in leadership and instructional techniques, further developing their ability to lead and support others.
Building Confidence and Capability
Participation in the CCF provides students with practical, hands-on experiences that complement their academic and co-curricular development. It encourages resilience, independence and a strong sense of responsibility; qualities that are valuable both within school and beyond.
A Proud Tradition
Cadets wear the original school badge, dating back to the 19th century, as part of their uniform. It is worn with pride and serves as a lasting symbol of their involvement in one of the school’s longest-standing traditions.
Developing Awareness and Responsibility
Charitable engagement is an important part of life at Merchiston. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of the wider world and an understanding of the role they can play in supporting others.
Through a range of initiatives, students learn the value of contributing both their time and their resources, building a sense of responsibility, empathy and social awareness.
Active Involvement
Opportunities for involvement are varied and meaningful. Students may support local community projects, contribute to charitable organisations or take part in initiatives that assist those in need.
Examples include volunteering within the local community, supporting younger pupils in educational settings, and contributing to projects that benefit older members of the community. These experiences provide valuable insight and encourage a practical, hands-on approach to service,
Fundraising and Community Support
A wide range of fundraising activities takes place throughout the year, including events such as the Charity Ball and sponsored challenges. In addition, regular collections, such as those linked to school services, are directed towards charitable causes.
Together, these initiatives foster a culture of generosity and collective responsibility, ensuring that charitable engagement is both meaningful and sustained.
Creativity, Confidence and Collaboration
Drama at Merchiston offers students the opportunity to develop confidence, creativity and a wide range of performance and technical skills.
Following the return to the stage with our Senior Production of Oliver Twist, drama is once again a vibrant and growing part of school life. Students of all ages are encouraged to explore their creative talents, whether through performance, production or technical theatre.
Performance and Production
Our productions are collaborative, ambitious and inclusive. Students can be involved in every aspect of theatre-making, including acting, directing, stage management, lighting, sound, set design, publicity and front of house.
Working in partnership with St George’s School for Girls, students also have the opportunity to audition for joint productions and perform alongside a wider cast, enriching both the creative experience and the final performance.
Each production brings together a large team, with students taking increasing responsibility for different elements of the show and supporting younger pupils as they develop their skills.
Facilities and Opportunities
Students benefit from our dedicated, well-equipped theatre space, allowing for high-quality productions that may include advanced lighting, live music and technical effects. This professional environment enables students to experience theatre at a high standard and to develop practical skills in a real-world setting.
Developing Skills from an Early Stage
Drama is introduced early, with junior students developing core skills in voice, movement and improvisation through the curriculum and co-curricular activities.
As students progress, they have opportunities to devise their own performances, collaborate with others and build confidence both on and off the stage. These experiences foster communication, teamwork and creative thinking; skills that are valuable across all areas of school life.
Challenge, Independence and Personal Growth
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is a central part of co-curricular life at Merchiston, offering students the opportunity to develop independence, resilience and a strong sense of personal responsibility.
Through a combination of challenge and achievement, students learn to manage risk, work as part of a team and build confidence in their own abilities.
A Broad and Balanced Programme
While expeditions are a well-known element of the Award, they form just one part of a wider programme. Students also complete sections in:
- Volunteering
- Physical activity
- Skills development
- A week long residential experience (at Gold Level)
This breadth allows students to pursue their individual interests, whether through sport, community engagement or the development of new skills.
Progression Through the Award
Students are introduced to the Duke of Edinburgh Award in Fourth Form, when participation in the Bronze expedition forms part of the programme. Many choose to continue to Silver and Gold levels, developing their skills and confidence over time.
Expeditions take place in a range of carefully selected locations across the UK, often including areas such as the Cairngorms, Kintail, the Borders, the Lake District and the Peak District. These environments provide both challenge and inspiration, encouraging students to work collaboratively and develop resilience in unfamiliar settings.
Skills for Life
The Duke of Edinburgh Award is designed to complement academic study, helping students to develop practical skills and personal qualities that extend well beyond school.
Whether through volunteering, physical challenge or outdoor exploration, students gain experiences that build confidence, independence and a lasting sense of achievement.
| Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award at Merchiston |
| Duke of Edinburgh Bronze Award is delivered as part of the Fourth Form experience, ensuring that all students are introduced to the programme in a structured and supportive way. Preparation begins locally, with training in the Pentland Hills, where students develop the core skills required for expedition life, including navigation, teamwork and campcraft.Students then complete their qualifying expedition in the Trossachs, spending two days walking and one night camping. This shared experience builds confidence, resilience and a strong sense of achievement, as well as strengthening relationships within the house. Following the expedition, students go on to complete the remaining sections of the Award (Volunteering, Physical and Skills) over the course of the following year, allowing them to explore their interests and develop new abilities alongside their academic studies. |
| Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award at Merchiston |
| The Duke of Edinburgh Silver Award is offered on a voluntary basis, giving students the opportunity to build on their Bronze experience and take on a greater level of challenge and independence. Expeditions at this stage are more demanding. Students complete a three-day expedition with two nights camping, developing advanced skills in navigation, teamwork and self-reliance. Preparation includes a practice expedition in Peeblesshire, followed by a qualifying expedition in more remote terrain, currently in Ben Alder. These environments provide both challenge and inspiration, encouraging students to work collaboratively and adapt to unfamiliar conditions. Alongside the expedition, students complete the Volunteering, Physical and Skills sections over a longer period than at Bronze level. This extended commitment allows for deeper engagement and continued development across a range of interests. |
| Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award at Merchiston |
| The Duke of Edinburgh Gold Award is the highest level of the programme, offering a significant and rewarding challenge for students ready to extend their independence and resilience. The expedition requires students to complete four days in remote, wild country, with three nights camping in more demanding terrain. This experience builds advanced skills in navigation, teamwork and self-reliance, while encouraging students to operate with confidence in unfamiliar environments. Beyond the expedition, students commit to the Skills, Physical and Volunteering sections for a minimum of 26 weeks, allowing for sustained development and meaningful engagement in their chosen activities. A distinctive element of the Gold Award is the residential section; a week spent away from familiar surroundings, working with new people on a shared activity. This experience develops independence, adaptability and confidence in new environments. |
Innovation, Creativity and Real-World Skills
MerchiSTEAM brings together science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics, offering students a dynamic and forward-thinking approach to learning.
Opportunities are available across both junior and senior years, complementing academic study in subjects such as Science, Mathematics, Design & Technology, Design Engineering and Electronics. Through a blend of curriculum and co-curricular activity, students are encouraged to think creatively, solve problems and apply their knowledge in practical ways.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Students can extend their learning through a wide range of competitions, courses and enrichment opportunities. These include nationally recognised programmes, such as Arkwright Scholarships, EDT, CityZen, DigiInventors and CanSat, allowing students to engage with real-world challenges and develop valuable technical and collaborative skills.
Our annual MerchiSTEAM Day brings this learning to life, combining STEM and the arts in a celebration of innovation. Working alongside local primary and preparatory schools, students share ideas, showcase projects and explore new approaches to creative problem-solving.
Recognised Excellence
Merchiston is proud to be the first independent school to receive the Education Scotland STEM Nation Award, recognising our commitment to high-quality STEM education and innovation.
| Arkwright Scholarship |
| The Arkwright Scholarship is one of the most prestigious engineering scholarships in the UK. A rigorous selection process, including an online application, a creative written assessment and a formal interview, allows Fifth Form students to demonstrate both academic ability and wider commitment. Successful candidates receive funding and support for the two years of Sixth Form as they prepare for further study and careers in engineering. Merchiston has a strong track record in the Arkwright Scholarship, with seven students awarded places in the past five years. |
| Engineering Education Scheme |
| The Engineering Education Scheme, run by the Engineering Development Trust (EDT), is the flagship competition for pupils in their Lower Sixth Form year. The scheme involves working with a local company over an extended period of time during the Autumn and Lent Terms to produce a working product, prototype or conceptual design. The teams are tasked with writing a significant project report and presenting their conclusions to a panel of industry experts at the Celebration and Assessment Day. Every year the teams have gained a huge amount of experience from their participation. Engineering Education Scheme |
| Year In Industry Scheme |
| The Year in Industry (YinI) Scheme allows students to use their gap year to work for an Engineering company as an apprentice employee complete with full salary, management training course, advanced maths course and the chance to complete an independent project. The Year in Industry Scheme is a fantastic opportunity for our students and is promoted as an alternative gap year for those entering the Engineering profession. The application process is very competitive and Merchiston has supported several successful candidates over the last few years working for the likes of ScotRail and Scottish Power. Year in Industry Scheme |
| Headstart |
| Headstart offers students the opportunity to spend a week at a leading university, experiencing life as an engineering undergraduate. Places are highly competitive, with applicants required to demonstrate strong academic ability and a clear commitment to the subject. Each year, Merchiston supports students through the application process, and we are proud to have had students attend Headstart courses consistently for over a decade. |
Performance, Creativity and Musical Excellence
Music is a vibrant and valued part of life at Merchiston, with a strong tradition of choral and instrumental performance.
The Chapel Choir and Close Harmony Group perform regularly in school services and at key events, as well as in concerts both on campus and at venues across Edinburgh. These performances form part of a rich musical calendar that gives students the opportunity to develop confidence and perform to a high standard.
A Broad Musical Education
Students are encouraged to explore music in a variety of ways, whether through singing, instrumental performance or ensemble work. Many choose to learn an instrument, supported by specialist tuition across a wide range of disciplines.
Instrumental lessons are carefully timetabled to fit around the academic day, ensuring students can pursue their musical interests alongside their studies.
Opportunities to Perform
Regular concerts and informal performances provide opportunities for students to perform both as part of an ensemble and as soloists. These experiences help to build confidence, stage presence and a deeper appreciation of music.
| Chapel Choir |
| The Chapel Choir performs regularly at Sunday services and in concerts both within the school and at venues beyond. It also undertakes tours in the UK and internationally, giving students the opportunity to perform to a wider audience and experience music in different settings. |
| Close Harmony Group |
| The Close Harmony Group rehearses weekly, performing a varied and light-hearted repertoire. The group performs regularly throughout the year, both within the school and at external events. |
| Wind Group |
| The Wind Group performs in the termly School concerts and rehearses each Wednesday morning. It performs a broad selection of material from film scores, popular songs, arrangements of classical pieces to show reviews. |
| Jazz Band |
| The Jazz Band meets on Tuesday evenings and gives regular performances; completing a programme of approximately six standards per year. |
| Ceilidh Band |
| The Ceilidh band is reserved for senior folk musicians and is focused on a selection of Reels, Jigs and Strathspeys. |
Tradition, Discipline and Performance
Pipes & Drums is a distinctive and valued part of life at Merchiston, offering students the opportunity to develop musical skill, confidence and teamwork through performance.
Open to all levels of experience, the programme supports both beginners and those looking to refine their technique. Students receive expert tuition in piping and drumming, developing precision, discipline and a strong sense of ensemble.
Performance and Competition
The Pipe Band performs regularly at school events, including key occasions such as Burns Suppers and Open Days, and represents the school in competitions at local, national and international level.
Through these experiences, students gain confidence performing in front of a range of audiences, while developing resilience and a strong sense of collective responsibility.
Expert Tuition
The programme is led by highly experienced staff, ensuring students are supported and challenged at every stage of their development.
Precision, Discipline and Focus
Target Rifle Shooting has a long-established tradition at Merchiston, offering students the opportunity to develop precision, concentration and self-discipline in a highly structured and well-supervised environment.
The programme includes both small-bore and full-bore shooting, with clear progression as students gain experience and confidence.
Small-Bore Shooting
Small-bore shooting is delivered through a dedicated school Rifle Club, operating independently as a recognised activity. Training takes place on the school’s purpose-built 25m range, where students develop technical skills and consistency under expert supervision.
Students have the opportunity to take part in a range of competitions, including local and national events, with many entering postal competitions and representing the school in fixtures such as invitational matches and annual contests.
Participation is open to younger students, with appropriate support in place, and pathways exist for those who wish to progress to team level and competitive shooting.
Full-Bore Shooting
Full-bore shooting is offered in partnership with the Combined Cadet Force (CCF), with access to military-standard ranges in the Pentland Hills.
Students who choose to participate can attend external competitions, including the national Schools Meeting at Bisley Camp, a key event in the school shooting calendar.
Progression and Accreditation
For students wishing to develop their involvement further, opportunities exist to gain recognised qualifications, including training as a Range Conducting Officer, and to engage with national governing bodies in the sport.
A Safe and Structured Environment
All shooting activities are delivered within a carefully managed framework, with a strong emphasis on safety, responsibility and respect. Students are supported at every stage, ensuring a positive and disciplined approach to the sport.
Learning Beyond the Classroom
Trips and expeditions are an integral part of life at Merchiston, extending learning beyond the classroom and giving students the opportunity to explore new environments, cultures and perspectives.
A wide-ranging programme runs throughout the year, including subject-based trips, sports tours, outdoor expeditions and international travel. These experiences enrich academic study, build independence and create lasting memories.
A Diverse Programme
Trips are carefully designed to complement both the curriculum and co-curricular life of the school. Opportunities may include:
- Language and cultural visits within Europe
- Geography and science field trips
- Sports tours in the UK and overseas
- Outdoor education and expedition-based experiences
- International travel and exchange opportunities
Alongside these, students take part in a number of established trips and camps at key stages throughout their time at the school.
Global and Community Experiences
Some trips offer the opportunity to engage more deeply with global issues and community projects. Previous expeditions have included international travel with a service element, allowing students to contribute meaningfully while developing a broader understanding of the world.
Skills for Life
Through travel and shared experience, students develop confidence, adaptability and resilience. Whether close to home or further afield, these opportunities play an important role in preparing students for life beyond school.
“I arrived at Merchiston thinking I already knew who I was. It was through the co-curricular programme that I discovered new passions, developed skills I never expected and found the confidence to try things I never thought I could.”
Current Pupil
