August 2023
The Summer break is almost over, and we are ready to welcome back our pupils on Monday 4th of September for what will certainly be another busy and exciting year at Merchiston. The last couple of weeks have been rather busy with A-Levels and GCSEs results being released.
Huge congratulations to all our boys and Leavers who have worked very hard to prepare for these examinations. We know their futures are bright and we truly relish witnessing their successes, as well as their determination and resilience.
The Autumn Term will also a busy time for Merchistonians with a few upcoming class Reunions. We look forward to welcoming Former Pupils back to the School and celebrating their friendships and accomplishments throughout the years.
To mark the start of Term we will also very excitingly be able to re-open our Chalmers West and East boarding houses. Chalmers will become home to the Middle Years boarders,
and we are delighted to be able to offer improved boarding and communal spaces to our pupils. A huge thank you to our Facilities Team on site, as well as to our Catering & Domestic Teams for all their hard work throughout the Summer and indeed the last year, to get the Houses ready ahead of the boys’ return.
Open Day
We are delighted to announce that we will be holding our next Junior & Senior Open Day on Saturday 16th September.
Prospective families who are interested in finding out more about a Merchiston educations for their sons are invited to register their attendance via our website.
If you have any friends or family members interested in attending, please feel free to share the date and link with them.
Doors open 09:45am. Event starts at 10:00am.
Obituaries
We were very saddened to hear of the passing of the following Merchistonians:
MrWilliam J. Ramsay
1931-2023
At Merchiston: 1944-1948
left 1948; Jun Prefect, VI, xv, cap; Farmer, 1948-70; Northants. Agric. Exec. Ctte., 196162; Teachers' Training Course, 1970-73; Oundle Middle Sch , 1974-1994; retired
Mr Robert G. Wilson
1944-2023
At Merchiston: 1957-1962
A Level Results
Yesterday marked a much-awaited day in the Merchiston calendar, the publication of the 2023 A Level results and subsequent university placement. Our students' hard work, our focus on the individual and teachers' commitment have resulted in strong performances across the cohort. 14% of our Leavers obtained an A* grade with 86% achieving A*- C – statistics which are comparable with our prepandemic levels. Our overall pass rate also remains firm at 99%, again equalling 2019 levels.
Despite some students still awaiting final contact from their university of choice, the overall picture of university destinations and outcomes remains very positive. At present 80% gained access to their 1st choice university, with students not only gaining entrance to prestigious UK institutions, but also renowned international destinations.
Individual stories of success, triumph and determination are just as compelling as any pass rate statistic or league table and we want all our Leavers to take time to reflect on their individual accomplishments Some have shown an incredible uplift in grades since GCSE, others have achieved the highest possible grades
We also acknowledge that the path of future study is not always entirely smooth and some students will be revaluating their options, for many reasons, which is both exciting and daunting No matter what, they all know that Merchiston will do everything they can to support them and help set them on a positive path, even if it is a slightly different path than initially anticipated
Our Headmaster Jonathan Anderson, extends his warmest congratulations to the Class of 2023:
"These results show that with hard work, resilience and commitment personal bests can be achieved Every student deserves real praise for their diligence and my thanks go to the Merchiston community of staff and parents who have played their part in supporting and encouraging the boys ” Our Deputy Head (Learning and Teaching),
Dr Dale Cartwright is delighted with the results:
“Seeing a richer diversity of university destinations such as Switzerland, Germany, Hong Kong and the USA is particularly pleasing as is the breadth of subjects being studied by our Leavers. It demonstrates the individual
left 1962; s of PFH 1911; Jun. Prefect, VI, xi, R , 2 yrs , cols , Abercromby Cup, Fe , cols , Kilbucho Cup, viii(m); Bronze Medal, Fencing, 1966 Commonwealth Games, Jamaica; Dir., Philip Wilson (Corn Merchants) Ltd , Duns, 1964-66; Dir , Ceres (UK) Ltd , Aylesbury, 1970-73; Man Dir , Shearing & Loader Ltd , 1973-90; Joint Man Dir., Grp. Ownership Ltd., 1990-98; Chair, Samson Vehicle Contracts Ltd., 1991-.
New Director of Golf
Merchiston is delighted to announce the appointment of Fraser Hutchison as our next Director of Golf. Fraser, who joins us in October, will bring with him an incredible wealth of expertise and will spearhead the continued development of our Golf Academy.
His enthusiasm and passion for the game of Golf started at a very young age. During his formative years, Fraser was awarded golf scholarships to the USA, attending two different institutions and competing at NCAA Division 1 Level. Throughout his career he achieved many US Collegiate tournament wins as well as individual Division 1 Level titles. Another incredible experience was also his recruitment into the National Boys Team in Scotland.
Recounting his US Collegiate days, Fraser reflects: ‘During this time, I was part of an incredible team, exposed to a positive culture and driven mentality led by a Hall of Fame Coach. These experiences shaped and influenced my working career and philosophy in the game thereafter ’
After completing his undergraduate studies in the USA, Fraser has continued to develop his teaching
qualifications, obtaining a Fellowship of the Higher Education Academy, qualifying as a golf coach as well as completing an MSc in US College Golf Following his own golfing career, over the past two decades Fraser has worked with young student athletes in golf and education, mentoring and coaching future generations of players
He has proudly supported young golfers along their journey into National Teams, Palmer Cup Teams and victories in R&A Series Events. Many of the young golfers he has mentored have now matured and performed on an international stage, won Conference and National Championships – whilst also growing into confident and employable individuals.
On his appointment, Fraser comments: ‘I’m delighted that Merchiston has given me this opportunity to lead the Golf Academy. With its first-class facilities and supportive network of staff, I look forward to mentoring & coaching the boys and creating that same positive culture and environment that encourages both their academic and golfing development.’
We are incredibly excited to welcome Fraser into the Merchiston Community and we look forward to watching him inspire our young golfers to achieve their potential and develop into wellrounded individuals.
