International Admissions

Some international students join the School each year. Currently the school is especially popular with boys from Germany, Hong Kong, China, Russia and Mexico, some of whom choose to go directly into the Sixth Form. International students account for about 16% of the School's roll. They bring with them a diverse range of cultures, which greatly enhances the overall culture of the School.

Merchiston is ideally located for international students:

• Set in the heart of one of Europe's most thriving capital cities, Edinburgh.
• Extra-curricular activities ensure benefit from all the cultural, social and sporting opportunities found in Edinburgh and in the Scottish countryside.
• Easy acces to Edinburgh International Airport and the railway station and an increasing number of direct flights to overseas destinations.
• Availability of English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL), learning support, and special dietary requirements.

International students sit entrance examinations in Mathematics and in English at any time during the year. Papers may be taken at Merchiston, or sent to a boy’s current school (or to a recruitment agency or British Council office) for administration. The papers are returned to Merchiston for marking. Each candidate is considered on his individual results. We also take up a report from a pupil’s current school. Sixth Form candidates are expected to sit papers in Mathematics, English and at least one other subject chosen for A level study.

International students are screened for English language tuition on entry and receive an individual programme, including small group, or one-to-one support.

Accounts of their experiences here by two students can be read by clicking on these links:

• Boy from India
• Boy from Germany
• Boy from Canada

All international students require a UK resident guardian. The guardian acts on behalf of parents in the UK, looks after your son during half term or leave-outs, and can be contacted in an emergency. The School can recommend guardianship agencies, and, for our younger pupils, we now offer guardian families from current parents.

Contacts

• Please click here for a list of International Agent Contacts Please click here for further details about Guardianship

• Please see the Admissions homepage for more information, or contact the Director of Admissions for detailed enquiries.