Founded in 1972 through the amalgamation of Daniel Stewart's Hospital (founded in 1855) with Melville College (1832). It is closely associated with Mary Erskine girls' school and the two schools share the same Principal, junior school and sixth form. Education between the ages of 12-16 is single sex but joint activities between the schools ensure that pupils receive the advantages of both single-sex and combined education. The college has a fine site near the centre of Edinburgh. The main building (the original college) is a kind of Victorian extravaganza resembling a mixture of private mansion/palace and hôtel de ville. It stands in attractive grounds close to the city centre. The school is well equipped, with facilities such as a technology centre, swimming pool, sports centre and new performing arts centre. Morning assemblies take the form of non-denominational religious services. Academic standards are high and results consistently good. Music is very strong indeed (much activity combined with Mary Erskine) and drama and debating flourish. There is much strength and depth in sports and games especially rugby, cricket, hockey and squash; many pupils have won individual national honours. There is a large voluntary CCF and the famous Pipe Band. The Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme is encouraged along with other outdoor activities, and a wide variety of clubs and societies provide for most conceivable needs.
Pupils: Age range 12-18, 716 boys (695 day, 21 boarding); sixth form run jointly with Mary Erskine. Entrance: Main entry age 12. Own entrance exam used; for S5 entry, 5 S-grades (credit passes) or GCSEs (at least grade B in subjects to be studied at Higher). State school entry: 15% main intake; many pupils from own junior (enquiries to Junior School 0131 311 1111).
Academic scholarships, up to £1000, offered to boys applying to enter S1 (held in trust by the school and paid at the end of the pupil's school career). Means-tested bursaries, up to 100% of day fees, available for those entering any year group.
Principal: David Gray, appointed in 2000. Educated at Fettes and Bristol University (English). Previously Headmaster at Pocklington School, Head of General Studies at Dulwich and Head of English at Leeds Grammar. Also former co-owner and partner and recruitment officer of Key English Language Institute, Athens. Teaching staff: 76 full time, 5 part time. Annual turnover 5%.
S4 (S-grade and Intermediate 2): 125 pupils in fourth year: 92% gained passes in 5+ subjects. Highers: 110 in fifth year: 68% passed in 5+ subjects. Advanced highers: 127 in sixth year: 62% passed at least one Advanced higher.
95% of fifth and sixth year leavers go on to a degree course (10% after a gap year), 3% to Oxbridge. 3% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 23% in science and engineering, 69% in humanities and social sciences. Others typically go on to vocational courses.
Intermediate 2, Highers and Advanced Highers. 18 subjects offered. Special provision: Support for learning and EAL department. Languages: French and German offered to Intermediate 2, Higher and Advanced Higher; also Spanish to S-grade and Higher (French or German compulsory to S-grade). Regular exchanges (France and Germany). Visits to Europe, including skiing, cultural tours. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject to exam groups, through the curriculum. All pupils take IT core skill unit. Interactive whiteboards in all departments.
Music: Many pupils learn one or more musical instruments. All orchestral activity joint with Mary Erskine. Music groups include 3 orchestras, 2 concert bands, jazz band, numerous chamber groups, large choirs, specialised groups such as madrigal, close harmony, active parents' choir. Drama: At least two major productions each year.
Sport: Rugby, cricket, hockey, tennis, athletics, curling, skiing, golf, swimming, squash, sailing and shooting available. Pupils are frequently members of national teams in many sports. Activities: CCF (Army and RAF). Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme. 70+ clubs and activities including debating, drama, chess, pipe band, drumming, hill walking and many other outdoor activities.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Houses for pastoral guidance, twinned with houses at Mary Erskine. Prefects, head boy, appointed by the Principal, following elections. School Council. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Many extra-curricular and social activities shared with Mary Erskine; sports fixtures, debates, tours etc with other local schools. Language trips to France and Germany; skiing and holiday tours; trips to USA. Meals self-service. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect a warning, and then referral to pastoral teacher on subsequent occasions; any pupil caught bringing illegal drugs onto the premises could expect expulsion.
Dining, recreational and other boarding facilities shared with Mary Erskine School; two houses, one girls one boys.
is contacted via Dr E J Wilkins, c/o the school.
Michael Boyd (artistic director of Royal Shakespeare Company), Tom Fleming (actor), Doddie Weir (rugby international), Finlay Mickel (Olympic skier).
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