Specialist Academies at the Top of their Game
Niche sports academies giving children the edge in their sporting field.
The last year has been a triumph for both of Merchiston’s specialist Golf and Tennis Academies. The success of the academic year 2013 – 14 resulted in Merchiston being ranked number 1 in Scotland and number 3 in the UK by the ISGA; this managed to win them a place to represent Scotland in the ISGA Home Internationals at the end of March. This success was matched by the Tennis Academy which is ranked number two in the UK in the LTA Tennis Schools Rankings and will represent Scotland for the first time at the ISF Tennis World School Championships this year in Doha.
The Merchiston Golf Academy:
The Golf Academy is a world where aspiring young golfers can maximise their potential whilst experiencing an education at one of the UK’s leading independent schools. Only four years after launch, the Golf Academy has been ranked Number 1 in Scotland and Number 3 in the UK by the Independent Schools Golf Association and has now established itself as a premier School for preparing pupils for the next step in their professional careers.
Our golf programme offers a completely customized approach that is implemented for cater to the specific needs of each individual player, utilising the latest training methods and techniques. Combining all aspects of training, coaching, a comprehensive match and tournament schedule and individualized conditioning and performance training, we have a proven track record in helping pupils to vastly improve all areas of their game. The School has experience with helping pupils prepare their applications for Scholarships in the US.
The boys have access to all the facilities and sports expertise available at the School. This includes a fully-equipped modern gymnasium, swimming pool, indoor sports hall and advice and mentoring from the School’s sports staff, the Housemasters and Tutors. Thus the balance between education, pastoral care and golfing excellence is delivered to provide a unique educational experience.
Recent accolades:
- The Golf Academy represented Scotland in the 2015 Home Internationals as the highest placed Scottish School, the achieved second place.
- ISGA Ranking 2013-14: No.1 School in Scotland and No.3 in the UK
- U18 Winners of the Scottish National Open, 2013-14
- U18 Winners of the Scottish Area Matchplay, 2013-14
- U15 Winner of The ISGA Shire Trophy, 2013-14
The Merchiston Tennis Academy:
Merchiston established Scotland’s first Tennis Academy in 2007 with 13 boys. Since then it has grown to around twice that size. These players attend Merchiston in Edinburgh (some boarding, some as day pupils) where they pursue both a bespoke academic timetable and a world class tennis programme, led by Head Coach, Marcel du Coudray. The Tennis Academy provides player pathways from top county level players to junior grand slam level.
Due to the Tennis Academy’s year of success it was the first team to be selected to represent Scotland at the ISF Tennis World School Championships. Merchiston’s performance in the U15 and U13 age groups at the Aegon Nation Schools Tennis Championships resulted in the U13 team coming out on top and the U15 running a close second to rivals, Reeds School, Surrey. Merchiston’s ranking improved to second in the UK after their triumph at the National School finals this year. Merchiston have also been Scottish School Tennis Champions for the last 5 out of 7 years, making it undeniably deserving that they represented Scotland in Doha. The team finished in sixth place overall and won their group – an impressive achievement!
Recent accolades:
- The first school to represent Scotland at the International Schools Tennis Finals, Doha, 2015.
- The team was placed sixth at the ISF, Doha, 2015.
- Ranked number two in the UK in the LTA Team Tennis Schools rankings, 2014
- Scottish Secondary School Tennis Team Champions, 2014 - Winners an impressive 5 out of 7 years!
- U18 Scottish Indoor Champion, January 2014
- U13 Aegon National Schools Tennis Champions, 2014
- U15 Aegon National Schools Tennis Champions, 2013
- Tennis Scotland Special Award 2013
- Winner of the Highland Spring Hot Shot Award 2013
If you would like to learn more about Merchiston’s academic and sporting record, Mr Andrew Hunter, Headmaster, will be visiting Luxembourg between the 10 and 12 June. To arrange a personal appointment or for media opportunities please contact the External Relations team on RSVP@merchiston.co.uk.
cnutton@merchiston.co.uk
0131 312 2236
A Boarding and Day School for Boys aged 7-18.
