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Celebrating our Academic Successes “I am delighted to be able to share with you some of the recent academic successes at St Leonards. This year we are thrilled to be named the Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024 by The Sunday Times and to also be identified as one of the top schools worldwide by Carfax Education. In addition, we have had our success validated by an evaluation team from the International Baccalaureate who were highly complimentary about the academic opportunities on offer. These achievements are testament to the nurturing environment created by our hard-working pupils and staff, and to the tireless efforts of our supportive parental community. It truly is an exceptional team effort.” Simon Brian, Head

50% +

75% +

IGCSE GRADES 9-7 (A*-A)

IGCSE SCIENCE GRADES 9-7 (A*-A)

awarded

85%

POINTS SCORED BY 2x IB PUPILS (achieved by fewer than 1% of IB pupils worldwide and equivalent to 5 A* grades at A Level)

100%

SOME AMAZING STATISTICS COMBINED FROM 2022 & 2023

PASS RATE FOR

CAREER-RELATED PROGRAMME (worldwide average 75%)

23%

SCORED OVER 40 POINTS

7-5 HIGHER LEVEL SUBJECTS (equivalent to A*-B at A Level)

AVERAGE DIPLOMA PROGRAMME POINTS SCORED (equivalent to AAB at A Level - worldwide average 31)

(equivalent to A*A*A* at A Level)

What our students say testimonials from recent leavers IB Diploma - University of Oxford

SAM GOSMORE (2016-2023) 2

Academic Success

I am incredibly grateful for my experiences at St Leonards School as they played a significant role in shaping my academic journey and ultimately securing my admission to read History at the University of Oxford. The International Baccalaureate curriculum at St Leonards School not only challenged me intellectually but also instilled in me a deep passion for learning. My dedicated teachers went above and beyond in providing invaluable guidance and support and fostered an environment where curiosity thrived. Perfect class sizes allowed for meaningful interactions and ensured that every student received the individualised attention needed to excel. Standout aspects of St Leonards and the IB were the emphasis on critical thinking, communication, and independent research. These skills proved to be particularly important in my exams and during the Oxford application process. I also found the support I received as an alumnus of St Leonards outstanding. I am grateful for the experiences and opportunities provided by St Leonards, as they were undoubtedly pivotal in shaping my journey toward higher education at one of the world’s most prestigious universities.

IB Career-related Programme - Glasgow Caledonian University I discovered my interest in business, specifically marketing and event management, during my final two years at St Leonards when I studied the International Baccalaureate Career-related Programme (IBCP) along with the BTEC in Business. The class discussions, assignments, educational visits and presentations of the IBCP helped me constantly improve my organisation and communication skills.

SIENNA LAING (2015-2023)

With the help of the very supportive teachers, and opportunities through the IBCP, I was accepted into Glasgow Caledonian University for their International Fashion Branding course, which is essentially learning more about marketing within luxury brands. I deferred entry until September 2024 to gain more life and practical work experience that will aid me both in my studies and life in general. I am currently working at Creiff Hydro Family Resort in Perthshire. I had no experience in hospitality prior to securing this role and used the interview techniques and other skills learned at St Leonards during the application process.

IB Diploma - University College London St Leonards has been my companion throughout some of the most significant years of my educational journey as a boarder. The memories of the cosy and tastefully decorated common rooms in Bishopshall always bring a smile to my face. Movie nights with friends, huddled on the sofa, sharing thoughts, and engaging in spirited debates about the plot are some of my cherished moments. Moreover, I cherished the moments in my Economics lessons when we delved into international case studies. It was delightful to hear my friends from diverse backgrounds sharing their unique perspectives, enriching our conversations. These discussions not only broadened my understanding but also fostered connections with classmates from around the globe.

LIXI CHEN (2020-2023)

Currently, I’m pursuing a BA in Education Studies, a major that encompasses a diverse range of social science subjects. This interdisciplinary approach has provided me with a holistic understanding of education. As I delve into the realm of education, I am inspired by the immense potential to enhance our education system. Consequently, I’ve set my sights on becoming a lobbyist, advocating for educational needs and closely monitoring government support to foster positive change.

IB Diploma - Edinburgh University I had the privilege of attending St Leonards for the last two years of my secondary education and will always look back at the time I spent there with pride - the School gave me far more than an understanding of stoichiometry!

ED MACINTOSH (2021-2023)

Along with the rest of my year group, I was presented with new and more complex content and with that we were given the opportunity to develop our own individual ways of learning. From a young age, I always struggled to learn in the conventional ways as I was diagnosed with dyslexia and thanks to the challenges and opportunities both the IB and St Leonards presented me with, I found my way of learning. I am currently studying a BSc in Biological Sciences at Edinburgh University and using the skills and strategies that I learnt in school. None of this would have been possible were it not for the incredible support that I received from the fabulous Learning Support team headed up by Mrs Greenwood, and the pastoral support that I had in the very welcoming boarding environment. The resilience and strength that I developed over the course of the IBDP will stand me in good stead for my future endeavours, both in my current Biological Sciences degree and beyond to the Biological Design Masters I hope to undertake. St Leonards will always have a place in my heart due to the springboard it has been for my learning. Academic Success

Our top 10 University destinations in the last 2 years: Four pupils were accepted at Oxford and Cambridge, and others were offered places at: • • • • •

Aberdeen Dundee Durham Edinburgh Edinburgh Napier

• • • • •

Exeter Kings College London Heriot Watt Newcastle Stirling

Pupils also secured offers from a number of overseas universities, including the University of Chicago and a range of top European destinations such as Gronigen, Utrecht.

Message from the Deputy Head Academic...

IB Evaluation Highlights A thorough inspection in November 2023 of the content and delivery of the IB programme across Primary, Middle and Senior years over the last five years, resulted in excellent feedback across the board. A full report is available on request; the key points noted were • • • • • • •

Our celebration of diversity and inclusivity; A strong commitment to holistic education; High quality, dynamic learning environments; Excellent evidence of wellbeing initiatives; Extraordinary high levels of teaching with a coherent curriculum; Excellent interactive teaching across all areas; An exceptionally broad range of subjects at every stage.

We have so much to offer young people both locally and from around the world with an exciting range of academic programmes. • • • • •

Primary Years IB (Years 1-6) Middle Years IB (Years 7-9) IGCSE (Years 10-11) Pre-Sixth ‘Fast Track’ 1-year IGCSE (Year 11) IB Diploma or IB Careers Path (Years 12-13)

“We hope you have enjoyed this snapshot of successes over the last two years and the inspiring outcomes it has led to for our pupils. Whilst these are great achievements, St Leonards is in no mood for complacency: we are pushing on with an ambitious development plan that will continue to ensure that a St Leonards education prepares pupils ‘ad vitam’, for life, in the fullest sense of the term. Whether you are about to embark on a St Leonards education or have been with us for a number of years, we thank you for your support and look forward to the future success and achievements of all our young people.” Will Gaisford, Deputy Head Academic