A Confident Step Towards Independence

Laidlaw is Merchiston’s dedicated Sixth Form house, offering a more independent and mature environment for students in their final years at school.

Here, students will be placed in either Laidlaw North or Laidlaw South and will benefit from greater personal responsibility and increased independence, while continuing to receive the academic and pastoral support needed to succeed. The transition to Laidlaw marks an important step in preparing for university and life beyond school.

Laidlaw offers a distinctive living and learning environment, for both day and boarding students. For boarders, our single study bedrooms and en-suite facilities provide a balance of independence and structure, helping students transition confidently towards university life.

Alongside their peers, students develop strong relationships, a sense of community and the independence required to thrive beyond school.

Academic Focus and Flexibility

In Sixth Form, students follow a flexible academic pathway, typically studying A Levels, with the option to combine qualifications where appropriate. This allows each student to shape a programme that reflects their strengths, interests and future ambitions.

Teaching is focused, rigorous and highly supportive. Small class sizes, subject expertise and tailored guidance ensure that students are well prepared for examinations and competitive university applications.

Preparation for University and Future Pathway

A key focus of Sixth Form life is preparing students for their next steps. Comprehensive support is provided throughout the university application process, including guidance on course selection, personal statements and UCAS applications.

Students are encouraged to take increasing ownership of their decisions, supported by experienced staff who provide informed and personalised advice.

Developing Confidence, Responsibility and Character

Leadership at Merchiston is not reserved for a select few, it is developed across the school, with opportunities for every student to build confidence, take responsibility and contribute to the life of the community.

From an early stage, students are encouraged to take ownership of their learning, support their peers and lead by example. These everyday experiences within the classroom, in co-curricular activities and through house life form the foundation of effective leadership.

As students progress through the school, opportunities become more structured and visible. Leadership roles in houses, teams, societies and across the wider school allow students to develop key skills such as communication, organisation, initiative and teamwork.

In Sixth Form, senior students take on positions of responsibility, including roles such as School Captain and Prefect. These positions require maturity, integrity and a strong sense of service, with students playing an important role in representing the school and supporting younger pupils.

Throughout their time at Merchiston, students are supported in developing the confidence and judgement to lead in a thoughtful and purposeful way; preparing them not only for leadership roles at school, but for future study, careers and life beyond.

Leadership in Action

Student Leadership Triumvirate

For the 2026/27 academic year, the Sixth Form Student Leadership Triumvirate includes:

• Captain of School: Gabriel P
• Vice Captain of School: Miles R
• Senior Prefect (Academic Liaison): Chester Y

They work closely with the Head of School and Deputy Head (Pastoral), playing an important role in representing the student body and supporting the day-to-day life of the school.

Ways Students Develop Leadership

Prefects and Senior Leadership Roles

Prefect roles are among the most significant leadership opportunities within the school. In Sixth Form, students may be appointed as Prefects, taking on responsibility across houses, departments and the wider school community.

These roles include:

• Captain of School
• House-Based Prefects: Prefects who support the Head of House and Deputy Head of House within each House. 
• Non-House Prefects: Prefects who live in the Sixth Form House and support key areas of school life
• Wellbeing Prefects: Each House has a Wellbeing Prefect with strong mentoring skills and trained in safeguarding and confidentiality. 

Prefects help to shape the culture and ethos of the school, leading by example and supporting younger students.

Sports Team

Sport at Merchiston encourages shared leadership. Rather than relying on a single captain, many teams operate with leadership groups, where students collaborate, make decisions and support one another.

Students may contribute to training sessions, lead aspects of team preparation and develop skills in communication, teamwork and resilience both on and off the field.

Pupil Voice

Students are encouraged to take an active role in shaping school life through a range of committees and forums.

These opportunities are open to all year groups, allowing students to contribute ideas, represent their peers and develop confidence in expressing their views. At Merchiston, leadership is closely linked to service, with students learning that responsibility and contribution go hand in hand.

Volunteering

Community engagement is a central part of leadership development. Through initiatives such as the Koinonia programme, students contribute to local schools, care homes and community organisations.

These experiences foster empathy, responsibility and a strong sense of social awareness; qualities that underpin effective leadership in any context.

Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP)

Through the Mentors in Violence Prevention (MVP) programme, Sixth Form students explore important topics such as respect, relationships and responsible decision-making.

Students can also apply to become trained MVP Mentors, delivering sessions to younger pupils. This peer-led approach builds confidence, communication skills and the ability to lead thoughtful discussions on complex issues.

Skills Development

Leadership development is supported through a range of opportunities to build confidence and communication skills. Students may take part in debating, presentations and public speaking, developing the ability to think critically, articulate ideas clearly and engage an audience.

Preparing for What Comes Next

Wherever a student’s ambitions lie, Merchiston provides the guidance and support needed to take the next step with confidence.

For some, this may mean applying to highly competitive universities such as Oxford or Cambridge. For others, it may be pursuing a specialist course aligned to a particular career path. In every case, the focus is on helping each student achieve the destination that is right for them.

Strong Outcomes

Each year, Merchiston students progress to a wide range of leading universities in the UK and internationally. With personalised guidance throughout the application process, students are well prepared to make informed choices and secure places on courses that suit their strengths and aspirations.

Global Pathways

Applications to universities in the United States have grown in recent years, with students securing places at highly regarded institutions such as Pennsylvania State University, Columbia University, Cornell University and Brown University.

Students may pursue academic routes or combine study with high-level sport, with recent leavers also earning scholarships to universities including Texas Christian University and Georgia State University.

Specialist support is provided for applications to US universities, including preparation for standardised testing such as the SAT and ACT.

Individual Success

Success is measured not by a single destination, but by each student achieving their personal goals. With expert advice, careful preparation and a strong academic foundation, students leave Merchiston ready to thrive in the next stage of their education.