Scottish school unveils elite golf technology 

DP World Tour player returns to open new performance centre

A leading Scottish independent school has opened a state-of-the-art Indoor Golf Centre designed to develop the next generation of elite golfers, with a current DP World Tour player returning to open the facility.

Merchiston Castle School has launched the new centre as part of its expanding Golf Academy, showcasing a clear development pathway from school-level golf through to the professional game.

The opening was marked by a visit from former pupil Cameron Adam, now competing on the DP World Tour, who returned to the school to meet pupils currently coming through the academy. Adam secured his DP World Tour card for the 2026 season after topping the Global Amateur Pathway rankings in 2025.

Huw Jones, Head of Merchiston Castle School, said: “Having Cameron back at the school is hugely important for our pupils. He’s a great ambassador for Merchiston and embodies our values and virtues. He shows, in very real terms, what can grow out of a school based programme that nurtures individuals properly over time.

“Each year, at least one of our golfers progresses to a US college scholarship as part of their development, and for some that becomes a route towards the professional game. This new centre strengthens that pathway, whilst also providing further opportunities to grow the sport at Merchiston.”

The centre features advanced Foresight simulator technology used by elite academies and professional players, supporting year-round training, detailed performance analysis and competitive play regardless of weather or daylight. Pupils can practise on world-famous courses, receive real-time data feedback and integrate simulator sessions into their coaching and academic schedules.

Alongside technical coaching and performance technology, pupils in the Golf Academy also receive support from a specialist golf performance psychologist. The focus is on helping them develop mental skills such as staying calm under pressure, managing nerves, improving focus and building consistency. 

The investment reflects a wider change in how young golfers are developed in Scotland, with schools playing a more active role in long-term player development alongside academic education.

Fraser Hutchison, Director of Golf at Merchiston Castle School, said: “This centre gives our players access to the same type of technology used by professionals and top academies, but in a school environment where learning and development come first.

“It allows us to work with players in far more detail, all year round, and tailor coaching around their individual needs and academic commitments. For young golfers in Scotland, that kind of access and consistency is hugely important.”

Merchiston’s Golf Academy is intentionally small and selective, supporting up to 28 players at any one time. Pupils receive personalised coaching, strength and conditioning support, performance psychology and structured competitive schedules alongside a full academic education. 

Cameron Adam’s return highlights that journey in action. Since leaving Merchiston, he progressed through the US college golf system at Northwestern University, became one of the world’s best amateurs and then secured his DP World Tour card for the 2026 season.

Cameron Adam, said: “Coming back to Merchiston and seeing facilities like this is brilliant. When I was here, we were always looking for ways to train smarter, especially during the winter months.

“Having this level of technology available at school gives young players a real advantage. It helps them understand their game better, practise with purpose and balance golf properly alongside their education.”

To learn more about Merchiston Castle School, please visit:

 https://www.merchiston.co.uk/ 

New day offering added at Edinburgh boys’ school

Expansion of pricing structure to offer greater flexibility for families

SCOTLAND’S only all-boys’ independent boarding and day school has introduced a new day pupil option, offering families greater choice and a pricing structure that prioritises clarity, transparency and value.

The existing wraparound care option available at Merchiston Castle School for day boys, now known as “Day Plus” remains unchanged, offering a full day of lessons, co-curricular activities, wraparound care until 9pm, and two hot meals – an offering which has proven popular with busy, working families.

Now, a new “Day” option is being introduced that covers the core academic school day (8am to 4.30pm) and lunch, priced at £24,000 per annum.

Unlike many other independent schools, the quoted price is all-inclusive, with no additional charges for lunch or other standard services, providing full transparency and removing the burden of hidden extras often found elsewhere in the sector.

The new “Day” structure has been created in direct response to the changing financial pressures facing families in 2025, including the introduction of VAT on school fees and wider inflationary challenges. In addition, a new flexible boarding package has been introduced giving families a two-night boarding option.

Gareth Baird, Chairman of the Board of Governors, welcomes the move as an important step in ensuring the school remains accessible to a broad range of families.

He said: “Merchiston has a long-standing reputation for excellence in both education and character development. By expanding our day offering, we are responding to the wider challenges following the introduction of VAT and rising inflation this year, while demonstrating that as a business we are agile and responsive to the needs of our families, both existing and prospective.

“The introduction of a flexible day offering is a natural evolution for the school. It ensures we continue to provide the highest quality education while recognising the diverse and changing needs of families.

“We want to ensure that more families can benefit from the exceptional education and sporting facilities available across our 100 acre campus, and with class sizes averaging around 16 students, we believe our new day proposition will be very attractive to local families.”

Founded nearly 200 years ago, the introduction of this new structure reflects the school’s ongoing commitment to meeting the needs of modern families, while maintaining the highest standard of academic excellence, pastoral care and co-curricular activities.

The school’s boarding provision, for which it is renowned, will remain unchanged, with Merchiston continuing to offer a vibrant and nurturing environment for students who choose to board.

Founded in Edinburgh in 1833, Merchiston Castle School is Scotland’s only all-boys independent day and boarding school. It focuses on providing a transformative educational experience that nurtures young men to become confident, compassionate, and accomplished individuals.

For more information about Merchiston, visit: 

www.merchiston.co.uk/admissions/our-day-offering

Edinburgh boys school wins Tennis School of the Year

Leading Scottish independent school for boys, Merchiston Castle School, was crowned Tennis Scotland’s School of the Year at the organisation’s annual award ceremony.

A momentous accolade, the School of The Year Award celebrates educational institutions that deliver first-class tennis coaching, drive innovation within the game, and inspire further participation to support the continued development and growth of the sport.

Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, a dedicated tennis hub that provides tailored training programmes, one-to-one coaching and professional on-court opportunities designed to enhance player performance and development, is globally recognised for its strong player pathways and unrivalled training facilities. 

Ranked the top school for tennis in Scotland by the LTA, and second in the UK, the Tennis Scotland award is yet another in a lineup of achievements for the Edinburgh boys’ school.

Merchiston’s celebrations did not end there. Tennis Academy coach Callum Lloyd was also recognised at the awards ceremony, walking away with Performance Coach of The Year for his ongoing commitment and dedication to developing young athletes.

Merchiston alumni and current British no.2 in singles, Jacob Fearnley, was also awarded International Player of The Year after a stellar year on the international stage.

Simon Pender, Director of Merchiston’s Tennis Academy, commented: “We are honoured to receive this prestigious award from Tennis Scotland. Their recognition is a testament to Merchiston’s continued commitment to excellence and solidifies our position as Scotland’s leading school for tennis.

“A huge congratulations to everyone who has contributed to the success of the Tennis Academy. From our exceptional tennis coaches and dedicated school staff to the catering team, volunteers and supportive families – this award belongs to you all.

“A special shout-out to our very own Callum Lloyd, who received the Performance Coach of the Year award. Callum’s passion for developing young athletes is unmistakable and is truly inspiring to watch. We are privileged to have him as a valued member of our coaching team.”

More information about Merchiston’s award-winning Tennis Academy can be found here.

‘A Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’

SATURDAY 7th DECEMBER 10am – 1pm

Merchiston Castle School is kicking off the festive season with the return of its Very Merchiston Christmas Fair on Saturday 07 December. 

The all-boys school is bringing back the popular event, transforming its impressive Memorial Hall into a winter wonderland for Edinburgh’s finest small businesses to showcase their wares. Guests will be treated to complimentary festive refreshments as they peruse the stallholders, looking out for those all-important stocking fillers. 

Luxurious gifting options, moreish food samples, and punchy drinks will be on offer, with the likes of Edinburgh Candlemaker Co, South Loch Gin and 181 Delicatessen holding a stall at the Christmas event. 

Last year’s Fair saw £577.40 raised for Edinburgh Food Project through the school’s Christmas raffle, in addition to 492kg of food donated. The students are hoping to match that this year with a food donations drive and Sixth Form stall selling items such as branded mugs and notebooks. 

Merchiston’s Headmaster, Jonathan Anderson, said of the event: “The Merchiston Christmas Fair is a key event in the festive calendar, with locals and those from further afield visiting to pick up unique gifts and embrace the festive spirit. 

“This year, we have a variety of world-class vendors offering a range of delights, and of course, our Christmas Raffle will be running to raise much-needed funds for Edinburgh Food Project. We hope to see you there!”

A ‘Very Merchiston Christmas Fair’ will take place on 7 December in Merchiston’s Memorial Hall from 10:00am – 1:00pm.

Tickets are available via Eventbrite here and are free of charge. 

Merchiston Castle School invites prospective families to Open Morning

One of Edinburgh’s top independent schools, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its 196-year-old gates to welcome prospective families for an Open Morning on Saturday 28 September.

An opportunity to explore the stunning 100-acre campus and see first-hand Merchiston’s premium facilities, families are invited to discover the top-tier educational experience offered at Scotland’s leading independent school for boys.

Visitors will have the chance to speak to the dedicated teaching staff, hear from the Head Teacher, Jonathan Anderson, and chat with both existing parents and students about their personal experiences of the school.

Pupil-led tours will run throughout the day, offering interested families the chance to view boarding houses, communal spaces, and subject classrooms.

For those inspired by recent sporting performances, a visit to the school’s world-class sporting facilities is on the cards – including the pioneering Tennis Academy in which Wimbledon competitor Jacob Fearnley first cut his teeth.

Interactive sessions for both tennis and golf will take place, offering a chance to meet the respective academy Directors, and get a sense of how Merchiston encourages sporting ambitions alongside a top-tier academic education.

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “I look forward to welcoming families and sharing how Merchiston delivers an exceptional school experience for boys.

“We understand how important it is for families to choose the right school for their child, which is why we aim to provide comprehensive Open Events so that parents and sons can truly get to know our school culture and community.”

Merchiston’s Open Morning will run from 10:00am – 12:30pm on Saturday 28 September. Interested families can register for a place here.

Merchiston’s new Forest Nursery and Junior School will also be holding an Open Morning on 28 September from 9:30am – 11:30am.

Here families can discover more about the innovative approach the Forest at Merchiston takes to educating children ages 3 to 7.

Families invited to explore enchanting Forest School

The Forest at Merchiston to host Open Morning on 15 June

Edinburgh’s answer to progressive education, The Forest at Merchiston, is to open its woodland gates to prospective families on 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am for a truly enchanting Open Event.

Merchiston Castle School’s highly anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School will welcome families interested in the cutting-edge, co-educational provision for an interactive Open Morning in the gorgeous 100-acre wooded grounds.

Alongside hands-on activities and Forest games, attendees will hear from The Forest Head Teacher, Davina Bowers, about this pioneering new offering, and have the chance to speak to the newly appointed Forest teaching staff.

Opening in September 2024, The Forest Nursery and Junior School seeks to bring a holistic approach to childhood development to Edinburgh.

Founded in Forest school principles, which prioritises child-centred outdoor learning, this educational offering will provide boys and girls ages 3 – 5 (Forest Nursery) and year groups P1 – P3 (Forest Junior) the very best formative years of education.

Davina Bowers, Head Teacher of The Forest Nursery and Junior School, said: “We are very excited to be hosting this Open Morning for prospective families to discover more about The Forest at Merchiston.

“This is the first chance for parents to meet our passionate Forest team and learn about our vibrant academic curriculum. We will also be answering questions, covering everything from after-school activities to uniform and more.

“As with all our Forest events, we are incorporating some fun Forest-themed activities to keep the little ones – and big ones – entertained! There will even be a surprise visit from a very special guest to add to the magical atmosphere.”

The Forest at Merchiston’s Open Morning is taking place on Saturday 15 June between 9:30am – 11:30am. Registration is required to attend the event, please do so here.

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/the-forest/open-morning-15th-june

A Scottish Castle, magical unicorns, and young heroes: Merchiston hosts best-selling author

FANTASTICAL BOOK LAUNCH AT MERCHISTON CASTLE SCHOOL

Merchiston Castle School, Scotland’s leading independent school for boys, hosted best-selling author AF Steadman for a private book launch and signing on 1 May. 

Author of the award-winning Skandar series, Ms Steadman held the exclusive event at the Edinburgh school to celebrate the launch of the third instalment of the collection, Skandar and The Chaos Trials

Merchiston was one of just three venues to host the author during a fleeting visit to Edinburgh, before she proceeded with the remainder of her UK tour.  

Extending the invitation to several local schools including St. George’s School for Girls, Cargilfield Prep School, and Longstone Primary School, Merchiston welcomed over 250 children into its impressive Memorial Hall. 

During the event, the author read an excerpt from the highly anticipated third novel, bringing to life her fantastical world of adventure, fierce friendships, rivalries, and heroic deeds for the audience of school children. A question-and-answer session ensued, followed by a book signing to conclude the event. 

Jonathan Anderson, Headmaster of Merchiston, said: “It was a privilege to host Annabel Steadman and fellow Edinburgh schools for this incredible special occasion.

“Words have the power to connect and transport us to other worlds, and with her incredible, fantastical descriptions of ferocious unicorns and heroes – Steadman’s books most certainly do that!

“This book reading and Q&A offered pupils the chance to engage with literature in an exciting and inspiring way, and to celebrate the pure joy of reading.”

Author Annabel Steadman commented on the book launch: “It was such a joy to return to Merchiston. The reading culture is truly phenomenal – encouraged by the school’s wonderful librarian Rachel.

“And as an author it was such an amazing opportunity to meet young readers from Merchiston as well as lots of pupils from schools in the nearby area who were invited along to mySkandar talk in the beautiful hall. Thank you!” 

Merchiston welcomes prospective families to Information Morning

9th March 2024

Scotland’s leading all boys boarding school, Merchiston Castle School, is opening its doors for an Information Morning on Saturday 9th of March.

Prospective families are invited to discover more about Merchiston, meet Department heads, and experience the world-class education Merchiston provide.

Held in the school’s impressive Memorial Hall, the Information Morning will be styled as a department fair offering families the chance to chat to Merchiston’s teachers, listen to students enthusing about their favourite subjects, speak to the Academic Leadership Team and find out more about what Merchiston can offer their son.

Merchiston’s Admission Team will be on hand to answer any questions parents may have and guide them through the admission process.

Registration for the event is open via the website:

https://www.merchiston.co.uk/admissions/open-events/information-morning-9-march

Merchiston Castle’s Christmas Fair raises nearly 500kg in food donations 

That’s the equivalent of Rudolph the Reindeer!

Scotland’s leading independent all-boys boarding school, Merchiston Castle School, has raised £1,500 and a whopping 492kg of food donations for the Edinburgh Food Project, a local charity that provides emergency good provision and support for people in need. 

Following the charity’s ‘most wanted’ list, the schoolboys encouraged their families and friends to donate and drop off at Merchiston’s annual Christmas Fair, and the community responded generously! From tinned soup to cereal, cleaning products to festive treats, families contributed almost half a tonne of much-needed items to go directly to vulnerable people in Edinburgh this winter. 

A further £1,500 cash donation was raised through a remarkable charity raffle held on the day, stallholder fees and a sizeable contribution from the Sixth Form’s Christmas market sales, which saw students from the Entrepreneurship BTEC sell Merchiston branded mugs, candles, and ornaments aplenty!

Edinburgh Food Project is seeing an increased demand for foodbanks this year, with over 2,000 food parcels expected to be delivered in December alone – a 70% rise compared with the same month in 2022.

The donation raised by Merchiston Castle School will go some way in helping to meet this demand and support the seven food banks run by the organisation. 

Jonathan Anderson, Headteacher of Merchiston Castle School, said: “We are immensely grateful to our kind-spirited community who donated much-needed items to our charity initiative this year. It has been heart-warming to see the local community come together to support families in need and spread some true Christmas cheer. 

“The boys have been incredible in supporting the fundraising activity, hosting the raffle where all donations went directly to the Edinburgh Food Project. We are very proud to see them giving back to the community and thinking of others less fortunate at this time of year”.

Merchiston Castle School invites passionate early-years and primary educators to Forest School

Exciting career opportunities are available at the much-anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School 

Merchiston Castle School is holding a recruitment event for its highly anticipated Forest Nursery and Junior School, scheduled to open in September 2024. 

Taking place on 27 January between 9:30am-11:30am in Merchiston’s picturesque grounds, the event will serve as an opportunity for prospective candidates to hear more about the Forest Nursery and Junior School the rewarding career prospects available. 

Enthusiastic early-years practitioners and primary teachers with a passion for outdoor learning and holistic development are encouraged to sign up for the recruitment morning to discover all The Forest at Merchiston has to offer. 

Attendees will be taken on a guided tour of the stunning 100-acre wooded campus, discover The Forest’s innovative, child centred curriculum, and hear from Headteacher Davina Bowers, about the unparalleled educational offering The Forest Nursery and Junior School will deliver. 

The Forest at Merchiston is looking to fill a number of positions, with full-time and part-time roles available. The recruitment morning is a chance for eager applicants to learn more about this promising career opportunity and gain an insight into Edinburgh’s most exciting early years and primary provision. Interested individuals will later be required to submit a formal application, with interviews scheduled for March 2024. 

Davina Bowers, Head of The Forest at Merchiston, said of the event: “This is the ideal opportunity for interested applicants to explore our unique educational provision and gain an understanding of the curriculum, our progressive approach and ambitions for the Forest Nursery and Junior School. 

“The event promises to be a wonderful gathering of like-minded practitioners, all passionate about combining academic subjects with the power of outdoor education and child-centred learning. 

“I am looking forward to meeting the inspiring and dedicated teachers and practitioners who will make up our future team of educators.”

Those interested in attending the recruitment event on 27 January are asked to register their interest by submitting a form on the website here