Merchiston Castle School is a A-Level school in Edinburgh, United Kingdom. Founded in 1833. It serves 400 students for students aged 10–18. Annual tuition ranges from $8,928 to $13,931 USD.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Scotland's capital city with historic character and excellent international connectivity. Established residential neighborhoods attract UK and international families seeking strong academic reputations.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 7 km | ~19 min | EDI — Scottish gateway |
| Manchester | 295 km | ~394 min | MAN — Northern gateway; global connections |
| Birmingham | 401 km | ~531 min | BHX — Midlands gateway |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Competitive awards offered in categories: Academic, Music (including Piping), Sport, All-Rounder, Art & Design, Design & Technology. Awards made for duration of school career subject to continued performance and conduct. No automatic fee concession but means-tested financial assistance available where parental income insufficient.
Key facts
Fees & the true cost of attendance
Published fees · inclusive of VAT
| Phase | Per term | Per year |
|---|---|---|
| Junior Day Plus (J5–III Form) | £6,000 | £18,000 |
| Junior Flexi-boarding (III Form only) | £7,735 | £23,205 |
| Senior Day (IV Form & above) | £8,000 | £24,000 |
| Senior Day PLUS (IV Form & above) | £12,258 | £36,774 |
| Senior Flexi-boarding (IV Form & above, 2 consecutive nights) | £13,993 | £41,979 |
| Senior Boarding (IV Form & above) | £16,902 | £50,706 |
Compulsory extras (on top of tuition)
| Item | Frequency | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| VI Form Premium (direct entry) | Per term | — |
| Tennis Academy Performance Squad | Per year | £2,145 |
| Tennis Academy Development Squad | Per year | £1,035 |
| Golf Academy Performance Squad | Per year | £3,750 |
| Golf Academy Development Squad | Per year | £2,040 |
| English as an Additional Language | Per term | — |
Budget beyond the sticker price. Assume the real annual spend is 5–15% higher than the headline fee. Hidden costs typically include: registration fee, acceptance deposit (usually one term's fees, refundable at the end of schooling), uniform + sports kit, trips and expeditions, individual music tuition, exam entry fees, travel to/from home.
Ask the Bursar for a sample "all-in" first-year invoice before committing.
Merit-based scholarships (9 types)
ℹ️ This school has not published the exact % fee remission for each award. Ask the admissions team directly — typical independent school scholarships range from 5% to 50% of fees.
About
Merchiston Castle School is Scotland's only boys' independent boarding school, offering the English curriculum with a global outlook. The school has educated boys for over 175 years, developing aspirational young men through balanced academics, excellent pastoral care, and fostering excellence in sports, music and drama. With over 65% of pupils boarding and world-class sporting academies, Merchiston achieves an impressive 50% A-A* rate at A-Level.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Age 7 (J5) | Online assessments in Maths, English and non-verbal reasoning; informal interview; school report | Autumn/winter of prior year | Rolling admissions; no fixed deadline |
| Age 13 (Fourth Form) | Online assessments in Maths, English and non-verbal reasoning; informal interview; school report; Common Entrance Papers option from prep schools | Autumn/winter of prior year | Rolling admissions; no fixed deadline |
| Age 16 (Lower Sixth Form) | Assessments in Maths and chosen A Level subjects; English language assessment; informal interview | Autumn/winter of prior year | Rolling admissions; no fixed deadline |
How to apply
- Browse website and prospectus
- Attend Open Morning or Taster Day
- Book personal tour (recommended term-time)
- Complete online registration form
- Pay £120 non-refundable registration fee
- Sit entrance examinations (Maths, English, non-verbal reasoning)
- Submit school report from current school
- Attend informal interview with staff
- Receive offer if requirements met
- Accept offer and pay £5,000 deposit (international pupils)
What you'll need to submit
- Completed online registration form
- £120 non-refundable registration fee
- Copy of birth certificate
- Passport (international pupils)
- Recent school reports
- Entrance examination papers (completed)
Open events
- Open Mornings — held twice yearly
- Taster Days — 2 days with overnight stay for boarders
- Personal Tours — by arrangement; recommended term-time mornings
- School events — theatrical productions, concerts, chapel services, Rugby Sevens tournament
Scholarships: Separate scholarship applications available; assessed through group and individual assessments, examination papers, interviews, school reports; MERCHI Award for character at Year 9
Admissions contact: [email protected]; +44 (0) 131 312 2201
Rolling admissions throughout the year. Entry possible at any age 7–18 if places available. International applicants require UK guardian aged 25+ and student visa if applicable.
Why Families Choose
- Only boys' independent boarding school in Scotland
- World-class Tennis Academy (ranked number two World Tennis School)
- Number one UK Ranking Golf School
- 50% A-A* rate at A-Level
- 77% A*-B rate at A-Level
- Scottish Schools' U18 Rugby Champions
- Sport-for-all environment with national representation
- Strong house system and pastoral care
- International boarding community
- 175+ years of educational heritage
Fees & Financials
| Grade / Year | Annual Fee |
|---|---|
| Senior Day | GBP 24,000~$ 30,380 |
| Junior Day PLUS | GBP 18,000~$ 22,785 |
| Senior Day PLUS | GBP 36,774~$ 46,549 |
| Senior Full Boarding | GBP 50,706~$ 64,185 |
| Senior Flexi-Boarding | GBP 41,979~$ 53,138 |
| Junior Flexi-Boarding (III Form) | GBP 23,205~$ 29,373 |
| Boarding (Full Year) | $13,931 |
Conversions to USD use exchange rates as of April 2026.
Original currency: £7,030 – £10,970.
Admissions Process
- 1Contact the school at [email protected] or +44(0) 131 312 2200 to arrange a visit. 2. Entry points include Junior School (age 7/11), Middle Years (age 13), and Sixth Form (age 16); a 5% surcharge applies for Sixth Form direct entry. 3. Candidates are assessed based on academic ability and potential. 4. Scholarships and financial assistance are available for qualifying families. 5. International admissions are welcomed with EAL support available.
School Day
The school week includes Saturday electives, extending learning beyond the standard Monday-to-Friday timetable. The day includes lessons, sports, and co-curricular activities.
Student Life
Pringle House (ages 7-12), Chalmers House (ages 13-15), Rogerson House (ages 13-15), Sixth Form House (ages 16-18)
Meals and snacks are included in all fee categories. Boarders receive breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks as part of their boarding provision.
Facilities & Programmes
Wellbeing & Safety
Pastoral care is central to the school's approach. The intentionally small size ensures every pupil is known and supported individually, with staff building close relationships with students.
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Scottish Schools' U18 Rugby ChampionsTop 100 Schools for CricketTennis Academy ranked number two World Tennis School (ISF 2017-19)Golf Academy number one UK Ranking Golf School (ISGA 2019-20)Best School Food UK (Golden Whisk Awards 2019)