Independent Schools
INDEPENDENT SCHOOL SECTOR IN SCOTLAND
Delivering excellence in education
Education is about more than just achieving good grades –it’s about turning out the good citizens of tomorrow.
There isn’t a parent, grandparent or carer in the country who doesn’t want their child or grandchild to benefit from the best opportunities available.
Scotland’s independent schools recognise that every student is unique with their own talents, meaning that each one is challenged to reach their full potential.
The sector provides a setting and
educational offer to suit the needs of almost 30,000 students from a range of backgrounds in more than 70 schools, offering modern facilities and the latest in technology.
By treating students as individuals, they provide a bespoke education aimed at helping each one to become a well-rounded person, armed with the confidence and rigour to face the outside world.
While each independent school remains focused on exam success, this is just one part of the toolkit
to equip students to thrive in the fastpaced environment of the modern world – and ensure they are able to seize the opportunities that come along to make their mark in society.
That means going beyond the comfort of the traditional classroom environment.
Independent schools have the freedom to decide their own curriculums, enabling students to tap into their passions, develop sound decision making and have the confidence to take responsibility for their actions.
Outdoor opportunities are at the heart
of this ethos. Whether it’s taking part in activities home or abroad, learning vital life skills stretches students’ horizons while making them culturally richer.
Opening this door could see your child realise their potential to become an accomplished mountain climber, evoke a passion for charity and volunteer work, or spark the fortitude to trek across Africa. Such experiences and adventures nurture personal resilience and how to work as part of a team.
With state-of-the-art sports facilities at independent schools, your child will
be given the opportunity to follow their sporting dreams – and who knows, it could be them with an Olympic medal around their neck in five or ten years.
There is no barrier to achievement. Off the sporting field, students are given the stage to hone their creativity, whether it’s in drama, music, or the arts.
Standing on a stage in London’s West End should not be seen as merely an aspiration. By cultivating a sense of selfworth, independent schools ensure that talent and ambition are seen as positive attributes to be encouraged.
ack in the classroom, the exibility of the curriculum allows for an emphasis on developing key life skills. For example, many schools run personal finance courses beginning from the beginning of junior school – the equivalent of primary one –all the way to sixth year in senior school, taking in modules on tax and pensions, and how to manage your finances at university.
Other schools are ensuring their pupils know how to deal with technology responsibly, while giving them a head start in how to navigate the digital world and keep up to date with the latest technology advances, including AI.
And, complementing this holistic approach, are impressive figures for post school success. More than 90% of students go on to university, giving them the opportunity to realise their potential.
Ensuring young people contribute to their communities and become global citizens is underpinned by the charitable status of independent schools.
This commitment to being diverse, progressive, and innovative is key to students making a strong contribution to society. An independent school education cultivates an environment in which children
from different backgrounds, cultures and countries can come together to learn, while feeling comfortable and being themselves.
Whether it’s day or boarding schools, weekly boarding, specialist schools for young people with complex needs or small faith schools, there are a range of educational and financial options to suit all families.
A tailored education for your child is more achievable than you may have first realised. So, why not take that step to give your child the life skills to break through barriers – and achieve their ambitions?
CONTACT
For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at www.scis.org.uk , Tel: 0131 556 2316
Aysgarth School is renowned for its award-winning pastoral care and excellent academic results. Predominantly a boarding prep school, with 85% of prep pupils boarding to some extent, it offers Saturday lessons and daily chapel services. Annually, Aysgarth sends pupils to over 20 notable senior schools, and in September , over 5 of ear leavers began at their new schools with a scholarship. Valuing respect, endeavour and courage, Aysgarth prioritises happiness, well-being and traditional values while empowering pupils to be independent, confident and creative. Recently, it expanded its co education model from Pre Prep to Prep School.
CONTACT
Email: admissions@aysgarthschool.co.uk
Tel: 01677 451021, www.aysgarthschool.co.uk
CARGILFIELD
Where learning is an everyday adventure
Cargilfield is a family friendly independent prep school in dinburgh for girls and boys aged to 1 , educating and inspiring children since 1 7 .
The school is proud of their broad curriculum, leading to ommon ntrance and scholarship exams at age 1 , with specialist sub ect teachers from age . As a family school, they accept a wide range of abilities and personalities believing that small classes capped at 1 , high expectations
and tailored teaching allow their children to ourish. The recent ducation Scotland inspection report rated their levels of attainment as outstanding and sector leading nationwide.
Sports, music, technology and expressive arts feature extensively within the school week and sport is offered daily to children aged and above. With over 7 clubs available each week, there is something for every child. onger school days provide older children with more time for activities instead of homework.
At argilfield, pastoral care centres on nurture, outdoor learning, and a rich array of extracurricular activities. Their orm Teachers and Pastoral eaders, guided by the Headmaster and his wife, prioritise kindness, fostering a supportive environment where each child thrives both inside and outside the classroom. They lead by the golden rule of ‘ e kind, be kind, be kind’ resulting in happy and successful children.
They offer a wrap around After School lub for children aged to , as well as weekly and exible boarding for ages 1 . School bus services are available from across dinburgh, idlothian, Perth, inross and ife.
registrar@cargilfield.com, Tel: 0131 336 2207, www.cargilfield.com
WHERE LEARNING IS AN
Discover the difference small class sizes (18 max), outdoor adventures, daily sports and over 70 club choices can make in your child’s educational journey. At Cargilfield, we offer a complete, well-rounded experience with a tailored teaching approach to help boost your child’s confidence and academic performance.
To learn what sets Cargilfield apart, please visit www.cargilfield.com
A day & boarding prep school for boys and girls from ages 3-13 Situated in Edinburgh on 13 acres of private grounds. School bus service is available across Edinburgh, Midlothian, Perth, Kinross and Fife.
BELHAVEN HILL SCHOOL
Founded in 1923, Belhaven Hill School is one of Scotland’s leading co-ed boarding and day Prep Schools for 5 to 13-yearolds. Its 20 acres of parkland campus is idyllic and inspiring, overlooking the wide sandy beach of Belhaven Bay in Dunbar, East Lothian.
Belhaven attracts boarders from across Scotland, England and Europe, as well as local day children.
The school offers a creative academic curriculum with a progressive digital programme, outdoor education and outstanding learning support. In the last three years, over 60% of leavers have won Scholarships Awards to their first choice senior schools.
Team sports and activities feature daily: the children surf, swim, ride, ski and play tennis and golf, alongside coding and robotics, sustainability, art, music, drama, reeling and piping. Over 100 years, Belhaven has become renowned for developing happy, well-rounded girls and boys.
CONTACT
For all enquiries please call the Registrar, Olivia Reynolds, on 01368 862785 / admissions@ belhavenhill.com, or visit www.belhavenhill.com
At Stewart’s Melville College and The Mary Erskine School, they have a broad curriculum and a strong academic record, but it is the rounded education that makes their students stand out. Their unrivalled programme of extra-curricular activities includes almost 300 clubs and societies, and one of the most extensive outdoor learning programmes in Scotland. Their dedicated teachers focus on the individual, helping students to discover their unique talents and infinite potential
Join them for an Open Day on Saturday 21 September where you can tour their Junior and Senior Schools. Book now at www.esms.org.uk
CONTACT
Tel: 0131 311 1111, www.esms.org.uk
| 01368 862785 | Dunbar, East Lothian belhavenhill.com
CRAIGCLOWAN
Craigclowan provides a warm and nurturing environment for boys and girls aged 3-13 to learn, grow and be happy. Set in stunning grounds with magnificent views over Perthshire, the school has a distinguished history and a reputation for the highest standards and expectations.
With a dedicated, caring and supportive ethos, the staff are very close to the children, and the families, in their care. Pupils are
encouraged to achieve their all-round potential, in the classroom, on the sports fields, on the stage and in the music and art departments.
The school aims to make the most of the world outside the classroom through a wide range of outdoor activities that build confidence and resilience, encourage creativity and problem solving and ensure rosy cheeks and muddy boots. Welly boots and waterproofs are a must! Craigclowan’s
children stay children for longer but, when it comes to moving on to senior school, pupils go on to attend a wide variety of top UK schools, both north and south of the border, many scholarships under their belts.
The school is a hive of activity from 7.30am-6pm, with a family-friendly wraparound care programme before and after lessons. The school minibus eet collects children from across the region and Craigclowan’s ever-popular holiday camps operate throughout the year. Grant funding is available for nursery pupils setting out on their Craigclowan adventure.
Why not go along and find out what a Craigclowan education has to offer to your family? You will be assured of a very warm welcome and will find a school in a stunning location with tremendous spirit.
CONTACT
Tel: 01738 230555, www.craigclowan-school.co.uk
Craigclowan provides an outstanding day school education to boys and girls aged 3 13.
To arrange a tour on a date to suit you, please contact admissions: 01738 230 555 or registrar@craigclowan school.co.uk Means tested bursaries may be available
Edinburgh Road, Perth, PH2 8PS www.craigclowan school.co.uk
Registered Scottish Charity SC010817
DOLLAR ACADEMY
As the world’s oldest co-educational day and boarding school, Dollar has served the educational needs of its pupils for over two centuries. The Care Inspectorate has described the school as having a ‘sector-leading’ standard of care this is a successful school filled with happy and very active children.
Dollar is recognised as one of the UK’s leading independent schools and has a very sound reputation amongst the UK’s top universities. Students have also recently left Dollar for Harvard and Stanford in the US. The school offers the widest range of academic subjects in Scotland, complimented by over 120 co-curricular activities. It has an excellent reputation for sport, music and art in particular, and has recently established an exceptional Golf Programme at Gleneagles.
Around 100 boys and girls live in three small family-style boarding houses located on Dollar’s stunning 70-acre campus at the foot of the Ochil Hills. Tutors help with homework and excellent social, sport and leisure facilities are available for pupils to use. One great advantage of boarding at Dollar is that there are several hundred
day pupils living locally, so boarders have a wide circle of friends, both in and out of the boarding house. Dollar is situated between the university cities of St Andrews and Edinburgh and is just 45 minutes’ drive from Edinburgh and Glasgow International Airports.
CONTACT
To learn more, please visit www.dollaracademy.org.uk, email registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk or call 01259 742511. Dollar Academy hopes to welcome you in the near future.
EFAIRVIEW INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Bridge of Allan school commits to three-years tuition fee freeze
arlier t his year ertified nternational accalaureate ontinuum School, airview nternational School, ridge of Allan, announced a three year tuition fee cap to support families through the financial crisis.
t is hoped that the school’s commitment to withhold from increasing fees for the next three years will help ensure continued affordability for its parents and enable families to financially plan for their child’s future education during a time of heightened financial uncertainty.
Starting from the academic year 5, the fi xed fee structure is guaranteed until June 2027 with the option for families to join at any point in time.
The school offers a holistic learning experience through the world renowned learning framework. ffering more than the standard curricula, the programmes focus on critical thinking and academic integrity, stressing the significance of uestioning, comprehending and responsibly utilising information in the digital age.
Admissions are open all year round and Fairview offers personalised visits and non committal taster days, allowing students to try an ducation. Scholarships covering up to 1 of tuition fees are available for academic passion, excellence in performing arts and sporting performance.
Fairview is inviting prospective families to its open day on Thursday 10 October from 3.30pm - 6.30pm to learn about the benefi ts of an nternational accalaureate education, explore the campus and meet staff and students.
CONTACT
To register your attendance email the admissions team at enquiries@fairviewinternational.uk.
Tel: 01786 641096, www.fairviewinternational.uk
Thursday 10 October 3.30pm - 6.30pm
Join us at our open day to explore our campus, meet our staff and students and learn about our curriculum and values. Experience our school first-hand and discover the benefits of an International Baccalaureate (IB) education.
To find out more or to register your attendance email the admissions team enquiries@fairviewinternational.uk
IB World School for students aged 5-18 52 Kenilworth Road, Bridge of Allan, FK9 4RY 01786 231952 | admissions@fairviewinternational.uk fairviewinternational.uk
FETTES COLLEGE
As a leading co-educational boarding and day school offering the dual pathway of A Level and IB in Sixth Form, Fettes College is A place to live. A place to learn. A place to grow. Fettes is proud of their all-round education, where the full boarding ethos benefits all students boarding and day allowing each student to be really known, and for them to maximise their potential, develop their talents and discover talents they did not know they had. Fettes students aim high and give back and they do this through curiosity, creativity and kindness.
‘Our students will leave the school knowing themselves, looking out for others, capable of thinking critically and ready to make a positive mark on their rapidly changing world,’ says Helen Harrison, Head of Fettes College.
From September 2025, the Fettes journey will begin from five years old when ettes Prep will open its first Pre Prep in September 2025. Here, Charlie Minogue, Headmaster of Fettes Prep, explains his exciting vision for Fettes Prep School:
Prep for Life
‘In 2016, research for the World Economic Forum concluded that 65% of primary aged children would be doing jobs that didn’t currently exist –I suspect that the number may now need to be revised upwards.
‘At Fettes Prep, we believe that schools have a duty to prepare children for the world as it is now and will be in the future, rather than how the world has been in the past. Our new vision ‘Prep for Life ’ sets out in three strands how we plan to give our children an advantage in the next stages of their education and prepare them for their future in a rapidly changing world.
Prep for the Future
‘Our outstanding teachers are redesigning their lesson planning to teach the required knowledge from their schemes while encouraging the children to think in very particular ways. Knowledge is therefore being acquired through practising critical thinking, collaboration, creativity, resilience and empathy. This innovative approach is resulting in some very interesting lessons.
Prep for Fettes Senior School
‘A range of initiatives will ensure we provide the best possible preparation for moving up to Fettes Senior School, allowing us to prepare our children more holistically for the opportunities they will have in what is a world class senior school.
Prep for a Kinder Tomorrow
‘Kindness has always mattered to us as a school, but schools must be proactive in combating some negative in uences on their culture from social media and the internet. In seeking to embed kindness into all aspects of school life we will focus on reviewing pupil leadership, rewards, sanctions and shared language, as well as incorporating the teaching and assessment of empathy through normal curriculum lessons. This innovative approach was described by The Sunday Times as ‘The School that puts kindness at the core of its curriculum’.
Tel: 0131 311 6744, www.fettes.com
SCHOOLOPENDAY SATURDAY21SEPTEMBER
GLENALMOND COLLEGE
Glenalmond is a prestigious co-educational boarding and day school situated in the rolling hills of beautiful Perthshire, for pupils aged 12 to 18.
An hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow, the glorious 300-acre campus is surrounded by an incredible landscape of mountains, glens, lochs and rivers, providing an inspirational and safe setting.
Their seven boarding houses provide a ‘home from home’ family environment, each embodying a strong identity and spirit, adding greatly to the pupil experience.
Outdoor learning and a sense of adventure are at the very heart of the Glenalmond spirit, and there is a focus on challenging but enjoyable experiences that develop resilience, well-being, independence,
and an appreciation of both the natural environment and sustainability. The school’s outdoor offering is sector-leading, delivered by a team of specialists and enthusiasts who seek out the potential in every pupil.
A broad academic curriculum is offered alongside an extensive co-curricular
CONTACT
Discover everything that Glenalmond College has to offer by visiting. Their next Open Day is 9.30am on Saturday 21 September 2024. For further information, please contact the Admissions Team registrar@glenalmondcollege.co.uk, call 01738 842000 or visit www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk
programme, with pupils going on to study at leading universities including Oxford, Edinburgh, St Andrews, Durham, Notre Dame and McGill.
Participation is encouraged across all areas of school life. The breadth of choice at Glenalmond, both inside and outside the classroom, ensures that every pupil has the opportunity to develop new and existing passions, from sport, music, art and drama, to a wide range of clubs, societies and house-based activities, including archery, beekeeping and dye-making.
For more than 175 years, the purpose of Glenalmond College has been to develop fine human beings and good citi ens that are ready to go out and make the world a better place.
The Warden, Mark Mortimer is clear in his approach: ‘We do this by setting high standards, by putting people and relationships first, by living our values, by taking the time to get to know and listen to every pupil, by gathering every day as a community, and by fostering a culture in which mutual support, a willingness to get stuck in, and a desire to do one’s best are paramount.’
The College is proud of its history and sense of tradition, yet it is also forwardthinking, adventurous, innovative and ambitious for the future.
HIGH SCHOOL OF DUNDEE
Their location in the heart of the city helps their pupils feel connected to the real world, creating fully rounded and grounded young people.
Timetables are built around individual choices and a vast co-curriculum enables pupils to find and follow their passions. Meanwhile a focus on pastoral care gives them the confidence to discover who they are.
In the primary years, every day the children spend time working on the crucial building blocks of literacy and numeracy.
In their secondary school, Enterprise Skills courses see pupils working on real-world projects with local businesses. Digital skills are embedded in the curriculum. There’s a unique Sports Development programme and a commitment to STEM.
They welcome new pupils throughout the year. If you can’t make their Open Morning, book in for a tour or taster day on a date that suits you.
CONTACT
For more information call 01382 202921 or email admissions@highschoolofdundee.org.uk, www.highschoolofdundee.org.uk
ST. GEORGE’S SCHOOL
St George’s School is Edinburgh’s only all-through girls’ school, offering education from ages 3-18. Founded by pioneering women in Victorian Scotland, the school fosters a supportive community where each girl’s voice is valued. Located in central Edinburgh, their campus provides a rich curriculum, including GCSEs, Highers, and Advanced Highers. They offer a nurturing environment with boarding at Houldsworth House for girls aged 10-18 from the and abroad. ver of their students achieve their first choice university destinations. Scholarships in academics, art, music and sports are available from S1. Join them for their October Open Days.
CONTACT
Tel: 0131 311 8008, www.stge.org.uk
High School of wow
Open Morning: Saturday 21st September 2024
To register, scan QR or visit highschoolofdundee.org.uk
LATHALLAN SCHOOL
Nestled amidst the breathtaking North East coastline, Lathallan School nurtures young minds with a vibrant and supportive environment.
The school’s 19th-century castle, boarding house and facilities are located within 60 acres of leafy grounds, providing unrivalled outdoor learning opportunities for nursery, junior and senior pupils between the ages of 6 months and 18 years.
Lathallan is the only all-through school in Scotland to have been awarded the Gold Learning Outside the Classroom (LOtC) quality
mark, and is shortlisted for UK Small Independent School of the Year 2024. This recognises the school’s commitment to providing students with unforgettable learning experiences beyond the traditional classroom walls. All staff are encouraged to approach curriculum development with creativity and whenever a teacher is planning a lesson, they’ll ask ‘where is the best place for this learning to take place?’
Lathallan pupils throw themselves into school life and simply ‘get involved’. Whether it be in class, on the sports field, or performing on stage, pupils embrace the opportunities and support one another.
With small class sizes and a focus on individualised attention, Lathallan students are given the tools they need to succeed and exceed their own expectations.
Attending Lathallan is more than a child’s education. Pupils and their families are welcomed into a wonderful close-knit school community like no other.
CONTACT
Join them at one of their Open Mornings – 10 October or 14 November – or visit them for a private tour. They welcome families year-round. Contact the Admissions Officer, Nicola Harrison – admissions@lathallan.org.uk or 01561 362220. www.lathallan.org.uk
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OPEN MORNINGS
10th October & 14th November 2024
01561 362220 | admissions@lathallan.org.uk | Brotherton Castle, Johnshaven, Angus DD10 OHN www.lathallan.org.uk
LORETTO SCHOOL
Loretto is Scotland’s oldest boarding school, combining history and tradition with incredible opportunities for the modern world.
Situated to the east of Edinburgh, Scotland’s capital city, Loretto’s leafy campus covers 85 acres and is easily accessible by road, rail and air.
Loretto creates exceptional lives, demonstrated by the fact that 99% of school leavers go on to their destination of choice. Home to around 500 girls and boys, pupils enjoy comprehensive academic,
pastoral, and sporting facilities including a world-class Golf Academy, which attracts global talent due to its rich history, facilities and US College programme.
At all stages of their education, pupils benefit from a diverse, yet rigorous curriculum where they are supported to develop lively, enquiring minds. Beyond the classroom, pupils can choose from over 80 co-curricular activities, nurturing their unique interests and further enhancing their skills for life. It is this combination of academic excellence, exceptional pastoral care and focus on personal development that ensures every Lorettonian excels in mind, body and spirit.
To re ect the needs of modern families, and offer increased exibility, part time Pre School places and Weekly oarding are now being offered. Just like the school itself, Loretto Open Days are kept purposefully small, allowing you to experience for yourself the exceptional campus and community.
our first step is to contact admissions loretto.com where the team will be delighted to book in your visit, or supply you with further information.
MERCHISTON
Merchiston is a remarkable school where boys make lifelong friends and community connections, while experiencing a world-class education and excelling far beyond their expected results.
Many schools can boast about exceptional academic results, university success rates, extensive sporting and co-curricular programmes, welcoming atmospheres and stunning grounds and facilities. ndeed, erchiston can do that as well. What makes them different, however, is a combination of things: their size, a genuine focus on the needs of the individual, and the fact that they understand how to get the very best out of boys. t is what enables them to really know their boys and to understand what makes them tick.
This is why the school can support them in a way that is material and motivating to them. t is the reason your son will strive for personal excellence and want to be the best version of himself. t is the secret of their success.
The school’s mission is to provide a caring community for every boy, which treats him as an individual, unearths and tends his talents, encourages him to
pursue excellence in all he does, and enables him to really ourish. Their community’s wellbeing is central; without it no one will ever achieve their best. That’s why wellbeing underpins everything they do. Their boys thrive because they are known, understood, valued, and supported in everything they do.
Tel: 0131 312 2200, www.merchiston.co.uk
Searching for the best school for your child is a multifaceted journey. Parents often consider location, commute, environment and the added value that extends beyond academic considerations.
Morrison’s Academy is the only all-through independent day school in Perthshire. With Nursery, Primary and Secondary on one campus, the school prides itself on creating a warm and inclusive school community where every pupil is a
valued member. With no divide between day and boarding pupils, every Morrisonian is on a level playing field, fostering a sense of belonging and camaraderie among pupils.
Family-friendly hours, wraparound care and holiday camps make it easy for busy families to manage school commitments alongside work and other responsibilities. Offering an extensive bus service throughout the catchment area, the 16.30 bus home ensures that pupils can participate in co-curricular activities and still make it home in time for family dinner.
Academic excellence should be a top priority when choosing a school for your child and Morrison’s Academy has educational endeavour at its heart. The school has consistently strong exam results and enjoys a reputation for academic excellence. Morrison’s Academy is a Scottish Curriculum for Excellence School and all pupils sit SQA examinations. This focused approach allows teachers to fully immerse
themselves in the curriculum, ensuring that they have a deep understanding of the content and are able to provide the best possible support to their students.
A school that fosters enthusiasm for learning, like Morrison’s Academy, creates an environment where education becomes an adventure and sets your child up for future success. Morrisonians are busy and enjoy taking part and are not only successful academically but they are also socially and emotionally well-rounded. If you are seeking the best education for your child, consider Morrison’s Academy. With a track record of outstanding academic teaching, a strong emphasis on personalised education, and a variety of co-curricular activities, Morrison’s Academy consistently strives for the highest.
ST LEONARDS
There’s so much to discover at St Leonards
Avibrant IB World School, St Leonards in St Andrews, has a reputation for high academic achievement, nurtured within a culture of creativity, which enables pupils to become well rounded, courteous and confident individuals, ready for the challenges that lie ahead – both in higher education and the world of work.
With an average IB Diploma points score of 35 – and this year an exceptional score of 45/45 – the School has been ranked as the Top Independent School Sixth Form in Scotland for IB/A Level results for three consecutive years. It was also awarded Scottish Independent School for Academic Performance in 2024 by the Sunday Times.
St Leonards has a truly global outlook, welcoming both local and international students who are fully integrated within the School community. ull, exi and weekly boarding is available from age 10, with a school bus service operating on routes throughout Fife, Tayside and
Perthshire for local day pupils.
Throughout the School, a lively academic, creative and sporting ethos encourages students to explore ideas and develop their thinking. They are encouraged and supported to excel in all areas, with the overarching goal of equipping themselves with the skills to match the School’s motto, ‘Ad Vitam’. This permeates throughout every aspect of the curriculum and co-curriculum at St Leonards – this truly is an education ‘for life’.
Find out why St Leonards is such an exciting and exceptional school – join them for their upcoming Open Events where a warm welcome awaits you.
CONTACT
To contact the admissions team, email registrar@stleonards-fife.org or call 01334 472126. www.stleonards-fife.org
ST. MARY’S SCHOOL MELROSE
St. Mary’s Prep School, located in the heart of the beautiful Scottish Borders town of Melrose, offers co educational day, exi and weekly boarding. ts proximity to the orders ailway, the A and A7 make it an attractive option for families from the orders, the central belt of Scotland and northern England.
The school prides itself on the highest possible standards in all areas including academics and through sport, expressive arts, outdoor learning and a wide variety of clubs.
The exi weekly boarding on offer is immensely popular due to a non compulsory element to the provision. Pupils board because they want to, not because they have to, though weekly boarding is strongly encouraged in orm to help prepare pupils for full boarding beyond St. ary’s. The mix of experience, energy and youthfulness among the boarding staff in state of the art boarding facilities is second-to-none.
ommon ntrance in orm is the culmination of the pupils’ time at the school, with many of them having been with us since their first days in kindergarten, aged two. A number of the school’s senior pupils gain scholarships to various senior schools both north and south of the border.
rrespective of which senior school they go on to, St. ary’s school leavers depart as independent learners with the confidence and knowledge to face the new challenges ahead with resilience and an enthusiastic curiosity.
The veranda garden provides a first class outdoor learning and mindfulness space. A recent extension to the school gymnasium has provided an excellent indoor space for physical activity.
The orders community is hugely important to St. ary’s, and the school is an integral part of why this beautiful part of Scotland is so attractive to many relocating from all over the nited ingdom and further afield.
Tel: 01896 822517, Email: office@stmarysmelrose.org.uk www.stmarysmelrose.org.uk
STRATHALLAN
Game-changing education in the heart of Perthshire
Nestled within 153 acres of stunning Perthshire countryside, just 45 minutes from Edinburgh, Strathallan School has been doing education differently for over 100 years. With a forward-thinking approach that places the individual at the centre, Strathallan challenges convention to offer every child the opportunity to excel.
Over the past two decades the school has invested £25 million in its world-class facilities, creating the ideal environment to support
young athletes to compete at the highest level: Olympic swimmer Duncan Scott started out at the school, and there are an impressive number of former pupils competing internationally on the rugby pitch too. The school’s established Rugby and Shooting Academies provide pathways to professional sports, with new Tennis and Swimming Academies launching in 2024-25.
Strathallan’s unique triple pathway curriculum allows students to tailor their education to their strengths and interests, choosing from Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, A-Levels, and the Extended Pro ect ualification P , and delivers excellent exam results year after year. Outside the classroom, Strathallan’s all-in approach allows day pupils to participate in the full experience: with all three meals a day, after-school activities and tutor-supervised prep all included, buses leave at 7.30pm, and pick-up options are available from the end of lessons up until 9.30pm.
It’s this rich, tailored experience that truly sets Strathallan apart, and earned the school a shortlisting for Independent Boarding School of the Year 2024. Find out more at Strathallan’s Open Morning on Saturday 12 October.
CONTACT
Tel: 01738 812546, www.strathallan.co.uk/visit-us
WELLINGTON SCHOOL
Wellington S chool in Ayr is an independent day school which welcomes both girls and boys from age 3 to 18, at any stage in their educational journey.
Consisting of three impressive turreted buildings overlooking the sea, Wellington offers children the best possible start in life through excellent teaching, high quality pastoral care and a rich choice of extra-curricular activities.
Academically, pupils at Wellington choose eight National 5 courses to study throughout S3 and S4, before going on to study fi ve Higher courses in S5. They then have access to a full range of 17 Advanced Highers and almost all pupils go on to a university or college of their choice. The school is proud to maintain consistently excellent academic records at all levels.
A particular strength of the school is the smooth transition between the Junior and Senior stages. Special arrangements in Primary 7 allow pupils to spend a percentage their academic week with specialist Senior School teachers, extending learning at an earlier age and providing an easier integration into Senior School life.
At Wellington, the importance of extracurricular activities is never underestimated, especially by the dedicated staff members who provide an array of opportunities to pupils in both the Junior and Senior schools. From choral singing to netball, debating to drama, there is something exciting for everyone.
Pupils also have access to a wide range of opportunities to
broaden their horizons and forge meaningful links with other countries.
In July 2023, a group of 20 seniors pupils visited their partner school in Jaipur, India, where they took part in a range of activities. In November 2023, 36 pupils from S1-S3 spent a week on Exchange at the Mallinckrodt-Gymnasium, Dortmund, Germany to take part lessons and festive workshops. Pupils grow in confidence from these experiences and several former pupils have gone on to study or work overseas.
Wellington pupils throw themselves into school life and simply ‘get involved’. Whether it be in the classroom, on the sports field, performing on stage or engaging in online learning, Wellington’s pupils work hard, support one another, and achieve more than they ever thought was possible.
CONTACT
For admissions enquiries or to arrange a visit, contact the Admissions Secretary on 01292 269321 or via email: admissions@wellingtonschool.org www.wellingtonschool.org
