Merchiston Preparatory School
KwaZulu-Natal · Umgungundlovu
About Merchiston Preparatory School
Merchiston Preparatory School is classified as a public primary school serving the Scottsville area of KwaZulu-Natal. It falls within the jurisdiction of the Umgungundlovu education district. For the 2025 academic year, 756 learners were enrolled, taught by 65 educators at a ratio of 12:1. As a Quintile 5 school, it receives a standard per-learner government funding allocation.
Governance & Funding
Quintile Classification
Merchiston Preparatory School is classified as a Q5 school, which means it serves the least impoverished communities and receives the smallest government subsidy per learner.
Fee Status
Merchiston Preparatory School is a fee-charging school. Prospective parents should contact the school directly for information regarding the current fee structure and any available bursaries or payment plans.
Section 21 Status
Merchiston Preparatory School operates under Section 20 of the South African Schools Act, meaning the provincial education department manages the school's budget centrally.
Enrollment & Staffing
For the 2025 academic year, Merchiston Preparatory School reported a total enrollment of 756 learners with a teaching staff of 65 educators. This translates to a learner-to-educator ratio of 12:1, enabling relatively small class sizes and individualized attention.
Source: Department of Basic Education Annual Snap Survey (2025). Learner and educator counts are as reported by the institution.
Location
Merchiston Preparatory School is situated in Scottsville, within the KwaZulu-Natal province. The school falls under the Umgungundlovu education district, specifically within the Pmb Central circuit.
Administratively, the school is located in the Umgungundlovu, under the The Msunduzi Local Municipality local municipality. The area is classified as urban.
The school's physical address is: 324 Bulwer Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200. For postal correspondence, use: P.o. Box 394, Pietermaritzburg, 3200.
Curriculum & Academics
Merchiston Preparatory School is classified as an ordinary school school offering a primary subjects curriculum within the primary school phase of basic education.
History & Background
Merchiston Preparatory School was historically administered under the Kwazulu Natal Education Department education department. Today, the school operates as a non-discriminatory public institution under the KwaZulu-Natal Department of Education.
Facilities & Infrastructure
The school's land is owned by govt and the school buildings are owned by govt.
Admissions
Prospective parents and guardians seeking enrollment for learners at Merchiston Preparatory School are advised to contact the school directly for the most current information regarding:
- Grade intake availability for the upcoming academic year
- Transfer and mid-year admission procedures
- School fee structure and payment options
- School uniform requirements and code of conduct
- Open day events and registration periods
Address & Contact Details
Address
324 Bulwer Street, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Postal
P.o. Box 394, Pietermaritzburg, 3200
Phone
+27 33 342 1838Enrollment (2025)
Learner:Educator Ratio
Below national average — favourable
Quick Info
EMIS Number
500207792
Department of Basic Education
Data source: The information on this page is sourced from the Department of Basic Education's EMIS (Education Management Information System) annual Snap Survey (2025). While every effort is made to ensure accuracy, some fields may contain incomplete data where information was not provided by the institution during the survey period. Contact details are as reported by the school. We recommend verifying important information directly with the school before making decisions based on this data.