Ready for the World: A Level Results 2025
Published by Merchiston Castle School on Thursday 14th of August 2025
This morning, Leavers at Merchiston Castle School received their much-anticipated A Level results - and we are proud to celebrate another year of strong academic achievement from the Class of 2025.
We are delighted to see the achievements of our students result in 38% of grades being awarded at A*/A - well above the national average of 28% - with 64% awarded at A*- B. Attainment across the grade range is celebrated, with several students securing incredibly positive outcomes with grades outside these ranges.
This year’s Leavers are set to take up places at some of the UK’s most respected universities, including Imperial College London, University of St Andrews, University College London, and Durham University as well as institutions across the globe including Harvard. Their chosen courses reflect an impressive breadth of talent and interest, ranging across Economics, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, English, and Chinese Studies.
While headlines often focus on the highest grades, at Merchiston we take equal pride in each pupil’s personal journey. Once again, this year’s results include stories of ambition fulfilled, perseverance rewarded, and individual bests achieved. We believe that these are the successes that truly define our boys and their time at the School.
Two standout stories from this year’s cohort include students now heading to Abertay to study Computer Game Development and to Heriot-Watt for Mechanical Engineering. Each followed a distinct path, overcoming personal challenges with the unwavering support of their families and staff. Their journeys reflect Merchiston’s commitment to the individual - including the flexibility to combine SQA and A Level qualifications - which helped create the right foundation for their success. Now, both boys step confidently into exciting futures, having found their passions and the pathways to pursue them.
On results day it is always important to remind ourselves that today’s achievements are not just the product of teaching and learning, but of mentoring, encouragement, and the kind of personalised attention that makes a lasting difference.
Reflecting on this year’s results, Dr Cartwright, Deputy Head (Academic), said: "I am delighted to see the outcomes secured as a result of dedication and drive from our students, all underpinned by the support, care, and expertise of their parents and our staff. There is real diversity in the range of outcomes, and that is something we strive to celebrate and facilitate in our Community - every individual being guided towards identifying and securing their next step."
While we take great pride in celebrating the successes of our students, we also acknowledge that results day can bring mixed emotions. To our pupils and their families: please remember that a single set of results does not define a person’s worth or future. Setbacks can be part of life’s journey, and they often lead to growth, resilience, and new opportunities - they do not define one’s worth. We are proud of every boy – not just for his results, but for the commitment, character, and courage he has shown throughout his time at Merchiston.
2025 Leavers: we congratulate you and we wish you every success in the years ahead. You move on from here with knowledge, values, and friendships that will last a lifetime.
Ready for the next challenge. Ready for the world.
Ready Ay Ready.
