DOLLAR ACADEMY TRIATHLON
WELCOME TO OUR TRIATHLON PROGRAMME
Dollar Academy is perfectly placed to offer a Triathlon Programme, with the local landscape providing an ideal setting for swimming, cycling, and running. The Triathlon Programme is led by Sean McFarlane, one of Scotland’s leading long-distance triathletes and adventure racers. With 23 Ironman races to his name and multiple podium finishes, he brings a wealth of experience not only as an elite athlete but also as a coach and race advisor. As a former student at the school, and local Dollar resident, he knows the area better than anyone when it comes to swim, bike and run options. Now, with his guidance, students also have the opportunity to explore this perfect environment for multisport adventures.
Given our commitment to developing the Dollar Academy Triathlon Programme, scholarship funding is available to support boarding pupils who demonstrate strong ability and promise.
We hope you find the information in this brochure useful, and that we will have the opportunity to meet with you in person in due course.
Ian Munro – Head of Dollar Academy
Sean McFarlane – Head of Triathlon
“The amazing coaches and facilities at Dollar have created the perfect environment to train and compete in all three Triathlon disciplines. Whether you are a complete beginner or an advanced triathlete, Dollar provides fantastic opportunities.” - Jess, Current Pupil
AN INTRODUCTION TO DOLLAR ACADEMY
Dollar Academy is a multi-award winning school, which has served the educational needs of its pupils for over two centuries. It is recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent schools and has an excellent reputation amongst the UK’s top universities, as well as those further afield with pupils graduating to Harvard, Stanford, Columbia and NYU in recent years.
Dollar offers the widest range of academic subjects in Scotland, complemented by over 120 co-curricular activities, with an outstanding reputation for sport, music and art in particular. This is a successful school filled with happy and very active children.
“Excellent all-round education in breathtaking surroundings. Don’t be fooled by the traditional wrappings though – thanks to an inspiring Head, this school is front foot forward and is reaching for the stars.”
- The Good Schools Guide 2025
TRIATHLON AT DOLLAR ACADEMY
Pupils at Dollar have excelled for many years at swimming, cycling and running, as well as triathlon. Over time, there has been a growing demand from students and parents alike to harness this interest and ability under a more formal structure. Our triathlon programme will equip pupils with skills to allow them to excel as athletes and more broadly in their lives. Sport for life is very much at the heart of our triathlon programme.
In addition to the outstanding training and facilities on offer in Dollar, we have a range of global partner races around the world which our athletes will have full access to. We will also facilitate and deliver cost effective warm weather training camps, utilising Sean’s experience in bringing together tailored support from his extensive network of coaches.
“We would recommend Dollar Academy to any parents looking for a school that will nurture their child and ensure a safe, high-level environment in which to learn.” - Current Parent
THE PERFECT ENVIRONMENT
Our triathlon programme will make full use of Dollar’s incredible natural environment. The school is located at the foot of the stunning Ochil hills, providing the perfect backdrop for this offering. There are numerous running and cycle paths throughout the hill range, as well as secluded lochs for openwater swimming.
As well as incredible outdoor options, the school also has state of the art indoor facilities including two large sports halls, a fitness suite, swimming pool and a newly extended strength and conditioning gym. In addition to these top-class facilities, athletes have access to fully qualified nutritionists, lifestyle coaches and on-site physiotherapy to supplement their training.
PROGRAMME BENEFITS
SPECIALIST COACHING ACROSS ALL THREE DISCIPLINES
INTERNATIONALLY RENOWNED COACHES
VIDEO ANALYSIS
SPECIALIST STRENGTH & CONDITIONING SUITE AND COACH
FITNESS SUITE
WARM WEATHER TRAINING CAMPS
SUPPORT FROM QUALIFIED NUTRITIONISTS
A RANGE OF TRAINING AND RACE KIT
PHYSIOTHERAPY
OUR PROGRAMME
ELITE LEVEL
Aimed at elite level athletes looking to compete both domestically and internationally. These pupils will be focused on improving all disciplines and their performance in each of them.
PRE-REQUISITES
All participants should be able to comfortably do all of the following:*
• Swim 750m in a 25m pool or 500m in open water
• Cycle 30km on open roads or 25km on off-road terrain
• Run 10km on flat tarmac or 6km on hilly off-road terrain
DEVELOPMENT LEVEL
Aimed at pupils looking to develop their skills in all disciplines, some of whom may be looking to race competitively.
PRE-REQUISITES
All participants should be able to comfortably do all of the following:*
• Swim 300 metres
• Cycle 8k
• Run 2k
*We appreciate many athletes may be weaker in one area, so the parameters stated are guidelines rather than strict minimum requirements. We are happy to discuss these on a case-by-case basis.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
Age range 11-18 11-18
Initial assessment
Personal structured development plan
Up to 9 hours per week of direct coaching sessions*
Up to 6 hours per week of direct coaching sessions*
Race schedule planning
Strength & Conditioning training
Physiotherapy, lifestyle coaching and nutritional support
Full access and guiding on running and cycling routes
Internal competitions
External competitions
Access to warm weather training camps**
Access to global partner races
Sports management advice including liaising with governing bodies and sponsors
Access and advice on appropriate post-school pathways
Termly report
*Actual training hours may vary for each athlete as full consideration will be given to the optimal training load, taking into account age and other co-curricular commitments. All athletes can also further develop their skills out with direct coaching sessions by making use of the various resources of offer.
**These training camps will carry an additional cost but our team will ensure these are as cost effective as possible
CONTACT US
We’re delighted that you’re considering the Dollar Academy Triathlon Programme. Our admissions process welcomes children of all backgrounds and stages in their education. To really get a feel for life at Dollar and for the triathlon facilities available, we encourage you to get in touch to arrange a visit. Term-time is ideal as you can meet with staff and pupils in order to get a sense of day-to-day life at Dollar. We realise that is not always possible though, and are very happy to welcome you at other times of the year too.
To arrange a visit, or for further information, please contact:
Day Admissions: Amanda Clark – registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk
Boarding Admissions: Elaine Gallagher – rector@dollaracademy.org.uk
Tel: +44 (0)1259 742 511
“The Triathlon Programme at Dollar Academy is an incredibly exciting initiative. As a parent, I can clearly see how pupils thrive on the challenge and enjoyment it offers. With such a remarkable natural landscape right on the school’s doorstep, it’s wonderful to see students being encouraged to explore and engage with it in such an active and inspiring way. The programme’s emphasis on “Sport for Life” particularly resonates with parents—it promotes not just physical fitness, but also resilience, confidence, and a lifelong appreciation for health and wellbeing.”
- Current Parent