History, Tradition and Ethos

We are a school with a history dating from our foundation in 1828. Five years later, in 1833, the School was established in Merchiston Castle, an early 15th century tower in Edinburgh which in 1550 was the birth place of John Napier, inventor of logarithms.

Charles Chalmers founded a boys' boarding school here which existed for almost 100 years. In 1930, the decision was made to move to the current greenfield site at Colinton, some 3 miles further along the same road. The present day main buildings date from this time, though 18th century Colinton House, the original centre piece of the estate, now houses the Science Department.

In today's school, traditional Scottish elements, such as the wearing of the kilt for formal occasions, are very prominent, and the Pipe Band features frequently in School life. Rugby is played enthusiastically throughout the school, and indeed the annual fixture against Edinburgh Academy, which has now been played continuously for 150 years, is the longest established inter-club match in existence anywhere.

The school's motto 'Ready ay Ready' features in the chorus of the school song (last revised in the 1950s but much older in origin). This refrain is still sung enthusiastically by the school on frequent occasions.

The ethos is concerned with people and relationships, and particular importance is attached to the development of personal character and moral values in our pupils. The atmosphere, although in some respects formal, is also one of pleasant and relaxed collaboration between pupils and staff.