Strathallan News
Strathallan Prep pupil chooses charity over birthday presents raising £1,000
A Strathallan Prep pupil turned her birthday into an inspiring act of kindness, raising more than £1,000 for children’s cancer charity Team Jak.
For her birthday this year, Betty chose not to ask for presents, instead requesting donations to Team Jak, the Scottish Children’s Cancer Charity. Hoping to raise a small amount, she was overwhelmed by the generosity of friends and family, ultimately raising over £1,000 for the charity and inspiring classmates to consider doing the same.
Allison Barr, founder of Team Jak, said: “We are absolutely honoured and blown away by the lovely Betty and the selfless act she undertook for her birthday, asking for donations to Team Jak instead of gifts.”
“For a child so young to think of others before herself is something truly special. We are incredibly grateful, as the wonderful sum she raised will allow us to continue supporting children of a similar age who are sadly going through cancer treatment. Thank you, Betty - you are our Team Jak superstar!”
Strathallan School Chaplain, Rev Wylie, added: “We are immensely proud of Betty. As one of our youngest pupils, her kindness and generosity have set a wonderful example for our whole school community in supporting Team Jak, our chosen charity for this year.”
Strathallan Celebrates
Top 100 Status in Best-Schools UK League Tables 2025
We are delighted to announce that Strathallan School has been recognised as a Top 100 school in the 2025 Best-Schools UK Independent School League Tables.
Compiled by Education Advisers / Best-Schools.co.uk, the league tables draw on exam results from independent schools across the UK and this year cited Strathallan’s “Exceptional A-level results in 2025”. The tables are designed to provide a fair and transparent benchmark of academic performance, and we are proud to see Strathallan featured prominently.
In 2025, our students continued to achieve excellent outcomes across all pathways:
A-Levels: 89% of entries at grades A*–C Extended Project Qualification (EPQ): 100% of students awarded A*–B Highers (Scottish Advanced Highers): 88% at grades A–C University Destinations: 88% of leavers secured places at their first-choice universities in Scotland, the UK and internationally These results reflect the school’s commitment to a personalised, ambitious education, and this recognition from Best-Schools is a testament to the hard work of our students and staff, and our unique, triple pathway approach.
We are incredibly proud of all our pupils for their achievements in 2025 and look forward to continuing to build on this success in 2026.
Strathallan Tennis Continues to Thrive with Appointment of David Killean
Strathallan School is delighted to announce the appointment of David Killean to its Tennis programme, further strengthening an already thriving provision that continues to deliver success at regional, national and international level.
David brings with him an impressive blend of elite competitive experience and a decade of high-level coaching. Having started tennis at the age of four, he remains an active competitor on the Tennis Scotland Open Tour, finishing 4th overall in the Men’s Open category in 2025 and cementing his reputation among Scotland’s leading players.
Alongside his competitive career, David has spent the past ten years coaching players of all ages and abilities. He currently runs the coaching programme at his local club and works with players at St Andrews University, with a coaching philosophy centred on strong technical foundations, tactical awareness and encouraging players to see tennis as a game of problem-solving.
David joins the programme at an exciting time for tennis at Strathallan. Recent highlights include the Girls’ U18 team being crowned Scottish Schools Champions, as well as the squad being named Perth & Kinross Schools Team of the Year. Across the programme, pupils continue to achieve outstanding individual success, claiming national titles and Tennis Europe International honours.
The strength of Strathallan’s tennis pathway is also reflected in individual recognition, with pupils such as Sophie, recently named Tayside’s Most Promising Tennis Junior, exemplifying the depth of talent and opportunity within the programme.
Commenting on his appointment, David said:
“I’m really excited to join Strathallan and to work alongside Tommy and Ryan. Tennis is a sport I’ve been passionate about from a young age, and I’m looking forward to passing on my experience and helping pupils develop both their skills and their understanding of the game.”
Head of Tennis Tommy Ogilvie added:
“David brings a strong competitive mindset and a proven coaching background. As someone still competing at the top end of men’s tennis in Scotland, he will be a valuable asset to our programme and to the continued development of our pupils.” With David’s appointment, Strathallan Tennis continues to build on its reputation as a programme that combines elite performance, expert coaching and clear pathways for young players to succeed.
Bringing the Party to Strath
(This video contains flashing lights)
With student DJs, a VIP Photo Booth and sensational energy throughout the night, our Oscars After Parties were truly ones to remember.
Scottish School Food Awards
Our very own Head Chef, Bruce Price is a finalist for Chef of the Year at the Scottish School Food Awards.
It is wonderful to see a familiar face in the Strath community getting the recognition he deserves.
Congratulations and the best of luck from all of us at Strathallan.
Poolside Precision Powers Performance Swim Squad
Strathallan’s Performance Swimming Squad is benefiting from a generous parent donation of a state-of-the-art poolside TV, providing swimmers with live heart rate feedback during training sessions, often twice daily. Strathallan School extends its sincere thanks to GES for their support in making this valuable addition possible.
The new system allows athletes to monitor cardiovascular output in real time, giving immediate insight during aerobic and high-intensity sets. By understanding how effort levels align with physical “feel”, swimmers can make informed adjustments to pace and recovery, building both confidence and performance awareness.
Director of Swimming Elaine Johnston said, “It’s a great facility to have. Swimmers receive direct feedback during aerobic and cardiovascular sessions, helping them understand how and why they are training. It allows them to adjust pace depending on how they feel. It’s not an exact science, but it is a very useful indicator for our performance squad and helps them connect data with the feel of a session.”
The donation comes as the squad returns from an intensive training camp in Dubai, following a hugely successful run at the Midlands, West, North and East Championships, where Strathallan swimmers delivered multiple gold-medal performances across all age groups.
With the long course season now underway, and major fixtures including SNAGS in April on the horizon, the squad moves forward strengthened by both international experience and enhanced performance insight at home.
Riley Housemaster
We are delighted to announce the appointment of Mr Matthew Mitchell as our new Housemaster in Riley House, Strathallan Prep School.
Matthew joins us from Ardvreck School, where he has been Head of Boarding and Director of Sport, following a similar role at Pembroke House School, Kenya.
With a degree in Geography and a strong foundation in primary education, Matthew brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care and boarding life, both in the UK and internationally. Known for creating a warm, structured and nurturing environment, he is passionate about pupil wellbeing, community, and the value of outdoor learning.
Joining him are his wife Savanna and their two young children. As a family, they are excited to become part of the Strathallan community.
We are confident that Matthew’s energy, experience and commitment to boarding will build on the strong foundations of Riley House while bringing fresh ideas for the future.
At the same time, we extend our sincere thanks to Mrs Lindsey Thompson, who steps down from her role as Housemistress. Lindsey has made a significant contribution to boarding life at the Prep School, and we wish her all the very best for the future.
We look forward to welcoming the Mitchell family to Strathallan.
We’re thrilled to share that Strathallan School has been shortlisted in two categories at the Boarding Schools’ Association Supporting Excellence Awards 2026
Massive congratulations to:
Natalia M – Best Senior Artwork
Strathallan Prep School – Supporting Junior Boarders Award
A wonderful recognition of the creativity, care and dedication across our school community.
Spring Term Colours Assembly
Huge congratulations to all our senior students who received Colours, Sports Trophies and Prizes at our Spring Term Colours Assembly, recognising outstanding accomplishments across Music, Sport, Model UN, Piping and Drumming, Debating and CCF.
Sports Colours were awarded across Boys and Girls Basketball, Clay Shooting, Cross Country, Girls’ Football, Boys’ Football, Equestrian, Netball, Girls’ Hockey, Boys’ Hockey and Swimming.
We were also delighted to celebrate our National British Clay Shooting teams and 1st Netball squads following their British and national victories at the weekend. International sporting Colours were also presented for Netball and Cross Country. Well done to everyone recognised for their hard work and success.
Perform in Perth 2026: Outstanding Success Across Music, Speech, Drama,
Piping and Drumming
Strathallan School pupils have enjoyed a highly successful run at this year’s Perform in Perth, achieving an impressive range of results across music, speech, drama, piping, and drumming.
We are proud to support this long-established city festival, which provides a platform for young performers from across the region to develop their talents, gain confidence, and celebrate the performing arts in a competitive and supportive environment.
Music Highlights
Jing W – 2nd place, Advanced Strings Chamber Choir – 1st place, Mixed Choir Division
Speech & Drama Results
Verse Speaking Choir (with Movement)
1st – Year 6
Bible Reading (7–8)
1st – Tilly N
2nd – Georgina D
Scots Poems (7–8)
2nd – Jeeya H
Soutar Poems (9–10)
1st – Charlotte W
2nd – Paige M
Prepared Reading (9–10)
1st – Nora D
2nd – Stella Du P
Bible Reading (9–10)
1st – Rory A
2nd (equal) – Charlotte W, Orla T
Verse Speaking (9–10)
1st – Orla T
2nd – Stella Du P
Shakespeare (13–14)
1st – Tabitha C
Burns (13–14)
1st – David L (Robert Burns Trophy)
2nd – James P
Bible Reading (15–17)
1st – Will D
Dramatic Solo (13–14)
1st – Blair M
2nd – Holly F
Dramatic Duologue (13–14)
1st – Tabitha C & Sophie Du P
Dramatic Solo (15–17)
1st – Matthew F
2nd – Charlie S
Bible Reading (11–12)
1st – Annabelle M
Soutar Poems (11–12)
1st – Munro M (William Soutar Tassie)
2nd (equal) – Annabelle M, Conan L
Bible Reading (13–14)
1st – David L (Bible Reading Trophy)
Verse Speaking (13–14)
1st – David L
Scots Poems (13–14) 1st – David L
Piping Results
Novice Bagpipes (13 and Under) 1st – Roddy D
March (15 and Under)
2nd – Archie D
Strathspey & Reel (15 and Under)
3rd – Archie D
Jig (15–17)
1st – Rory M
March, Strathspey and Reel (15–17) 1st – Rory M
Drumming Results
Drumming on Pad (11 & Over)
1st – Conan L
2nd – Ewen G
3rd – Henry G
4th – Rory A
Novice Snare Drum 1st – William N
2nd – Struan M 4th – Will D
Snare Drum March 3rd – Struan R
Novice Tenor Drum
1st – Florence J 2nd – Blair M
Tenor Drum March
1st – Tara C
2nd – Anna M
Matthew and Irene celebrated on the final
day of Perform in Perth
Mrs Irene McFarlane was awarded the prestigious Silver Medal in the Scots Song Class – an honour she has received many times – and was also recognised for an outstanding 50 years of involvement in the festival. An extraordinary contribution to performance, drama and the promotion of the Scots language.
Adding to the celebrations, Matthew F was presented with the Silver Young Ambassador Award by the Lord Provost of Perth – a fantastic achievement.
The evening was also supported by members of the Strathallan community, including Mr Duncan, who has accompanied performers throughout the festival on the piano.
Bravo to all our students and staff involved in this year’s excellent Perform in Perth.
MBE for David Barnes
We are incredibly proud to see David Barnes (DJB) receive his MBE from Prince William.
Surrounded by his family on a beautiful sunny day, it was a fitting moment to celebrate someone who has dedicated three decades of voluntary service to supporting children and communities in Perthshire and Kenya.
Prince William even took time to ask David about the young people he has supported over the years - a conversation that clearly meant a great deal.
A truly well-deserved honour. We couldn’t be prouder of you, David.
Kostas keeps raising the bar!
Third Form pupil Kostas J had a fantastic weekend on the platforms and track.
He won gold in the U15 Scottish Schools Weightlifting Championships, setting new personal bests in the snatch and clean & jerk and narrowly missing even bigger lifts.
This followed his ‘warm-up’ at the Scottish Indoor Athlete National Championships, where he set a new PB in the 60m and reached the semi-finals.
It’s incredible to see how far he’s come since claiming gold medal at his first-ever weightlifting competition in November 2025.
Well done, Kostas - everyone at Strathallan is proud of your dedication and hard work!
Patron of the Arts Day Trip to Royal Conservatoire of Scotland
Music, Drama and Traditional Music students enjoyed an inspirational day at the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland, made possible through the generous support of our Patrons of the Arts.
The visit included a fascinating tour of the Conservatoire and the National Piping Centre before lunch and a magnificent Arc Ensemble concert in the Stevenson Theatre at the RCS.
The day concluded with an insightful Q&A session with current music, traditional music and acting students, offering first-hand perspectives on study, performance and life at the Conservatoire.
It was a highly informative experience for our students, and one we are extremely grateful to our Patrons of the Arts for supporting.
The 2025/26 Boy’s U18 Open Competition Winners
After a decisive 20-7 win over Merchiston away, our U18 team jumped from 3rd in the table to become overall conference winners.
The True Cost of Reducing Choices in Schools
We’re delighted to share that our Head of Senior School, Jonathan Mace, has been published in The Times with a powerful piece on The True Cost of Reducing Choices in Schools.
At a time when young people are often pushed to specialise earlier than ever, this thought-provoking article explores why breadth, curiosity and time to discover matter more than we might think - and why the strongest futures are built by those allowed to grow wide before they grow deep.
Academic
Dr Pamela Abbott
The Model United Nations club was delighted to welcome Dr Pamela Abbott, who delivered a compelling lecture on the ethics and sustainability of fast fashion.
Exploring global supply chains, labour rights, and the role of the UN in protecting human rights, her talk challenged pupils to think critically about the impact of what we wear. We are hugely grateful to Dr Abbott for sharing her expertise and inspiring such thoughtful discussion.
Ancient Myths & Critical Hits
Advanced Higher Geography portfolios complete
From analysing the weaponisation of resources in the Israel–Palestine conflict, to exploring fish farming in Scotland and investigating the role of mangroves in trapping microplastics - an impressive range of challenging and thought-provoking topics.
Well done to all pupils for their hard work and curiosity.
Second Form Latin rolled initiative this term, becoming heroes in their own story. After studying Metamorphoses, pupils brought the myths to life through translation and imagination, after asking Dr Sapsford if they could turn their learning into a Dungeons & Dragons game.
From battling sentient trees inspired by Baucis and Philemon, to tracking down Echo and Narcissus through carefully chosen Latin clues, every step required careful reading, problem-solving, and collaboration.
Through the adventure, pupils developed confidence in their translation skills, strengthened their critical thinking, and worked as a team to overcome challenges - applying their knowledge in a creative and meaningful way.
There were ambushes, illusions, and in the final encounter, a Narcissus-like sprite defeated by a perfectly timed Cloud of Daggers.
A brilliant example of how academic learning can be both rigorous and imaginative, building skills that extend far beyond the classroom.
Academic excellence celebrated
More than 50 Junior and Senior Academic Scholars gathered for our annual Academic Scholars’ Dinner, an opportunity to celebrate their achievements both in the classroom and beyond.
The evening also offered plenty of inspiration, with thoughtprovoking talks from Mrs Howett, Head of English, on academic reading and writing, and Dr Mitchell, Head of Physics, who shared fascinating insights into the world of academic research.
A wonderful evening recognising the curiosity, commitment and ambition that define our scholars.
Global diplomacy in action
Eight pupils from Strathallan School took part in the St Leonards School Model United Nations Conference, “Finding Global Solidarity in a Divided World.”
Representing France and Egypt as diplomats, our pupils joined more than 200 delegates from across Scotland and around the world for a weekend of debate and collaboration. Delegates also heard from Wendy Chamberlain MSP, Tawia Abbam, and the French Consul of Edinburgh and Glasgow, Stéphane Pailler.
A special congratulations to Jess H, who was named Best Delegate in the Disarmament and Global Security Committee.
British Science Week
As part of #BritishScienceWeek, our First Form pupils enjoyed an inspiring day at Dynamic Earth for a STEM Careers Day, discovering the many exciting paths that science, technology, engineering and maths can lead to.
They met scientists, engineers and technologists from organisations including NatureScot, The Scottish Association for Marine Science and Royal Observatory Edinburgh, learning first-hand about careers working with our planet, oceans and beyond.
Throughout the day pupils:
Took part in hands-on interactive STEM activities Explored cutting-edge technology including VR and AI Heard from expert speakers during interactive panel discussions.
A fantastic opportunity to spark curiosity and see where a future in STEM could take them.
Sixth Form Subject Fair
Making decisions about Sixth Form is a big moment and we are all about giving our Fifth Form pupils the clarity and confidence to take that next step.
At our Sixth Form Subject Fair, pupils and parents had the opportunity to explore the breadth of options available, speak directly with Heads of Department, and ask the questions that matter most.
From academic pathways to future ambitions, it was a valuable afternoon of insight, conversation and inspiration as our pupils begin shaping the next stage of their Strathallan journey.
Brains in action
Our Lower Sixth students brought neuroscience to life today by creating their own “brain hats” to explore the localisation of function. A hands-on (and head-on!) way to understand how different areas of the brain control different skills and behaviours.
Creative, collaborative and surprisingly stylish - learning at its best.
Sixth Form Lecture
Our Sixth Form were inspired by a powerful lecture from Peter Cairns.
Speaking about his new venture and podcast At the Edge, Peter encouraged pupils to reflect on how we engage in conversations about nature - particularly when perspectives differ.
A thoughtful and balanced session that sparked genuine discussion across the year group.
Maths Challenge winners
Congratulations to our certificate winners in the Intermediate UK Mathematics Trust Maths Challenge.
In total, 27 pupils achieved awards this year, including two Third Form mathematicians competing a year above the recommended age group.
A superb achievement and a testament to their problemsolving skill and perseverance.
Economics Olympiad
Economics students at the school have recently taken part in the Economics Olympiad, a global economics competition that challenges pupils through an individual assessment covering a wide and eclectic range of economic concepts and problems.
Designed to test both a student’s knowledge base and creative thinking, the Olympiad encourages participants to apply economic theory in innovative and practical ways. All students received a participation certificate, and we look forward to finding out in due course whether any of our pupils progress to the next round.
A brilliant start for our pipers
Rory M won the Senior U18 March, Strathspey & Reel competition from a field of 32 competitors - an outstanding achievement
The Strathallan Pipe Band also impressed, finishing joint 4th out of 14 bands, with one judge awarding them 2nd place in Piping.
CCF Piobaireachd Competition
In Januray, Strathallan School was delighted to host this year’s annual CCF Piobaireachd Competition.
A total of 25 competitors from eight different schools took part, with an exceptionally high standard of performance across all three competitions.
Congratulations to our own Rory M, who was the winner of the Junior Competition - a fantastic achievement.
The Vale of Atholl
Congratulations to all of our pipers that competed at The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band Solo Piping Competition at Pitlochry High School
See results below:
Roddy D
1st Novice Piping 12 and Under
Rory M
2nd 15-18 Piobaireachd
3rd 15-18 Jig
Calum B
2nd Under 15 Jig
3rd Under 15 March
3rd Under 15 Piobaireachd
Fun with Pipes and Drums
Over 55 pupils from 18 different schools across Perth & Kinross joined us at Strathallan for another fantastic Fun with Pipes and Drums day. A huge thank you to our talented tutors, the PKC instructors, and everyone who helped make the day such a success.
It was brilliant to see so much energy, passion, and skill on display - what a celebration of music!
Art
Art Trip to Glasgow
Visiting Kelvingrove Art Gallery and Museum, the Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery collections, and the Gallery of Modern Art, pupils immersed themselves in an extraordinary range of art, artefacts and architecture, including time sketching in the cloisters at the University of Glasgow.
With exam themes this year centred on FOUND and ORIGINS, the focus of the day was on gathering rich, studentled photography to inform and develop their personal exam projects back at school.
From gallery spaces to architectural details, pupils captured a wealth of imagery, now evolving into sketchbook exploration, experimentation and refined ideas in the studio.
Music
Strathallan Young Musician of the Year
The Strathallan Young Musician of the Year 2025–2026 showcased an exceptional calibre of musicianship, from our youngest performers in Strathallan Prep School through to our outstanding overall winner, Andrew L. The diversity, confidence and musical maturity on display were truly remarkable, creating an inspiring celebration of talent across every age group.
We are incredibly proud of our student musicians, whose performances demonstrated not only technical skill but also a powerful depth of expression and emotion. Guest adjudicator Shona White was genuinely blown away by the breadth of talent on show and the compelling musical stories communicated by every performer throughout the competition.
Results:
Prep Young Musician of the Year - Marisa R & Joseph K
Strathallan Young Musician of the Year - Andrew L
Prep Beginners - Annabel D
Prep Grade 1-2- Conan L & Grace P
Senior Grade 2- 5 - Alfie M
Senior Intermediate - Yan N
Take On Me
Our Big Sing 2026 brought the whole school together for a Spring Concert finale to remember
Performing Arts
Highway to the Drama Zone
Massive congratulations to our 2026 House Drama winners, Glenbrae, for their outstanding production of Top Gun. A triumph of detail, creativity and true House spirit.
A huge thank you to Ed Boase from the Young Film Academy for joining our expert judging panel and sharing his industry insight with pupils.
Congratulations also to our individual award winners: Best Director – Olly D, Ruthven Best Cinematography – Henry B, Freeland Best Actor – Ivianna Y, Thornbank
An outstanding showcase of talent, teamwork and red carpet energy.
Much Ado About Nothing
As an NSTA representative, I was privileged to attend the Strathallan School production of Much Ado About Nothing on Wednesday 26th March 2026. Directed by Mrs Bronwen Carr-Bates, it was a brilliantly inclusive production, bringing together pupils from a range of year groups and levels of experience, both on stage and behind the scenes, working collaboratively to create a truly engaging and joy-filled evening of entertainment. The auditorium was buzzing prior to the show, with a fantastic energy that clearly demonstrated the support and enthusiasm for the arts within the Strathallan community.
One of William Shakespeare’s most enduring and sophisticated comedies, Much Ado About Nothing is defined by its razorsharp wit and poignant observations on the fragility of reputation. Set against the backdrop of Leonato’s sun-drenched estate, the play interweaves two distinct romantic trajectories: the cynical, linguistic sparring of the “determined bachelor” Benedick and the fiercely independent Beatrice, and the more traditional – yet tragically vulnerable – courtship of the young lovers Claudio and Hero.
The set design included prominent steps taking up much of the stage; these not only created effective levels that the cast utilised confidently throughout but also contributed to a playful party aesthetic, supported by a white, pink, and lilac colour scheme. The constant flow of confetti falling from above created a magical and whimsical atmosphere, with the confetti crew clearly enjoying their role in enhancing key moments with varying levels of confetti snowfall from the flies. The costumes, designed by Freya, were another highlight, with detailed and well-coordinated choices that clearly identified characters while adding a sense of fun and modern whimsy to the production.
As Benedick, Murray delivered a performance defined by natural charisma and a sophisticated engagement with the play’s celebrated wit. Initially anchoring the role in a playful, sharp-tongued skepticism, Murray showed remarkable growth as the narrative unfolded, gaining an assured command of the complex Shakespearean verse, and allowing his character to fully develop and connect with the audience. Central to the production’s success was his magnetic chemistry with the ensemble, and specifically his “merry war” with Beatrice; their intellectual sparring was executed with a rhythmic precision and a genuine sense of spontaneity that consistently resonated with the audience.
Amy’s success in the role of Beatrice was undeniable. From the opening moments, she demonstrated confidence and playfulness in her characterisation, showing a clear command of both the character and the Shakespearean language. There was an ease and assurance in her delivery, with a strong understanding of every word she spoke, which translated beautifully to the audience and guided us through the storytelling. Her use of actioning, vocal clarity, and expressiveness was a joy to watch, and she clearly relished every moment, communicating expertly with both fellow actors and the audience.
Fin, Matthew, and Ben played Don Pedro, Claudio and Leonato with a buoyant and merry attitude, which was supported by clear costuming and thoughtful directorial choices. Together, they created a fantastic energy on stage. A particular highlight was the garden scene, in which they attempted to convince Benedick that Beatrice was in love with him. This moment demonstrated a strong understanding of the comic intentions of the scene, alongside inventive staging and a clear sense of ensemble. Isla, as Hero, characterised the role incisively, with a contemporary edge, helping to create a modern and relatable romantic atmosphere within the production.
The casting of Don John was particularly effective, with Charlie delivering each line with villainous energy and strong, expressive character choices that also embraced the humour within the role. His entrance at the party – in an animal onesie and oversized head mask resembling a rugby club mascot – was a moment that demonstrated confidence and a willingness to fully engage with the comic potential of the character.
George, as Borachio, brought a roguish energy to the role, particularly within the love tryst, and contributed effectively to the storytelling. Ivianna, as Margaret, complemented this dynamic with a lively and engaging characterisation, particularly in the love tryst and wedding scenes, where her presence added clarity, energy, and emotional connection to the narrative. Together, their performances enriched these key moments. Other roles, including Balthasar, Friar Francis, Conrad and Ursula, were performed with equal commitment and skill, making this a very strong ensemble piece.
A real highlight was the party scene. The costumes and masks were contemporary and visually exciting, with sequined face masks adding a sense of fun and spectacle. This, combined with the choreography that brought the entire cast together, created a moment that lifted both the actors and the audience. The ensemble worked together seamlessly to maintain the party atmosphere through improvisation, enhancing the storytelling without upstaging the central action. This was a particularly strong ensemble moment, confidently led by Amy in her monologue. The line “there was a star danced, and under that was I born” perfectly captured the joy and celebration that radiated from the stage; it felt as though that same sense of exuberance and shared celebration extended into the audience, making the experience all the more uplifting and memorable.
It was a delight to witness such a formidable mixed ensemble working with unwavering dedication to bring this production to life. While it was noted that several boys in the cast were making their theatrical debut, their performances were characterised by a poise and confidence that gave no hint of inexperience – a profound testament not only to their individual hard work but also to the direction and support of the whole company.
There was a real sense of cohesion and generosity of spirit that transcended the stage. Leadership through the arts, alongside the universality of Shakespeare’s words, and the enduring themes of love and second chances in Much Ado About Nothing, were a real highlight of this production. The zest and life within this production were truly uplifting, and it was a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and storytelling. As many of these performers conclude their final production at Strathallan, they leave behind a remarkable legacy, well-equipped to continue championing the transformative power of theatre in their future endeavors.
Strathallan Prep School
Sowing the Seeds of Learning
It’s been a busy and exciting week in the Prep School with two fantastic trips with The Royal Highland Education Trust Year 3/4 enjoyed a brilliant visit to Dron Farm with the Sinclair family, exploring the history of farming and how it has evolved over time.
Meanwhile, Year 5/6 headed to Rossie on the Earn for a hands-on Food and Farming Day. From meeting chickens and pigs to making their own butter and learning about different grains, it was a day full of discovery.
So great to see our pupils getting stuck in and developing a real appreciation for farming life - such an important part of our culture and society.
Pour Maman, je t’aime de tout mon
cœur
A little creativity, a lot of care, and some beautiful French in action.
Our Year 5 pupils got hands-on with Madam Crane, crafting heartfelt messages for Mother’s Day while practising their language skills.
Learning with meaning - and made with love.
Rugby Season
Year 5&6 girls had an absolute blast in their rugby session during games.
A perfect taster ahead of their weekly rugby activity during the summer term!
RSPB Big Garden Birdwatch
Our brilliant Year 3 & 4 Prep students carried out their Big Garden Birdwatch survey, helping to play their part in this important national project.
Snow Day, Strathallan Prep style
45 pupils from Year 6 to Second Form took to the Glenshee slopes for an unforgettable day of adventure, teamwork and fresh mountain air.
Caledonian Representative Hockey and Netball Teams
Huge congratulations to our Prep pupils who were selected to represent the Caledonian Representative Hockey and Netball Teams!
Heidi P-M, Morven S, Chloe C, Christopher B, Arrlo M, Harris C-H, Lockie C and Tejas C competed at the Scottish IAPS Representative Tournament, hosted at Belhaven Hill School. An excellent display of effort, skill and teamwork from every player - we are so proud of you all!
Special congratulations to Heidi P-M for captaining the girls’ netball team - fantastic leadership!
Flour, fun and a sprinkle of creativity
Our youngest Prep pupils became Chefs today with Chef Jordan and Amelia from Harry’s - rolling, topping and making their very own pizzas from scratch.
The best part? Sitting down together at lunchtime to enjoy their creations - safe to say, every slice was a success!
Well done, Year 1 & 2.
British Schools Biathlon
Championships
We are incredibly proud of our Prep pupils who have qualified for the British Schools Biathlon Championships in Bath.
Earning their place through the national ranking lists, they are among the very best biathlon athletes in the UK.
It’s World Book Day!
Our Prep School is celebrating in style today, with pupils and teachers transforming into their favourite literary characters. After a fantastic fancy dress catwalk this morning - featuring the likes of Nanny McPhee, Frodo Baggins, Little Red Riding Hood and many more - the festivities are well underway.
Years 5 and 6 are putting their knowledge to the test with a lively Footy and Booky Quiz, while older pupils are preparing for a series of storytelling adventures led by acclaimed Scottish author Barbara Henderson . Her interactive workshops will bring stories to life, from Wilderness Wars with our 1st and 2nd Form pupils to Fir for Luck with Years 3–6.
At lunchtime, Harry’s will be transformed with a menu inspired by the wonderfully weird world of Roald Dahl and his famous Revolting Recipes - thanks Sodexo UK & Ireland
The day will finish with an Adventure Mice themed scavenger hunt and reading session for Years 1 and 2 - the perfect way to round off a day full of imagination, stories and fun.
A brilliant celebration of reading across the Prep School!
Sports
British Schools Clay Champions
A phenomenal achievement for Strathallan as both our Senior (Gold) Team and Ladies Team are crowned British Schools Clay Shooting Champions 2026. Competing at the beautifully refurbished Eaton Hall Shooting Ground, our pupils delivered an outstanding performance to secure top honours once again - a testament to their consistency, focus, and teamwork.
There was further success for Isla T and Alana H, who finished joint 2nd High Gun, narrowly trailing the leading scores, while the boys also impressed with a 2nd place finish in the Flush.
With strong competition from schools including Cheltenham, Millfield, Wellington, Rugby, Bloxham, Tudor Hall and Glenalmond, this makes the achievement even more significant.
Strathallan continues to set the standard at national level - now champions in four of the last five years, an incredible record that reflects the strength and depth of the programme.
A huge congratulations to all involved.
SISNA title
Congratulations to our 1st team netball girls who securing their fourth consecutive SISNA title.
2023, 2024, 2025 & now 2026 Scottish Independent Schools National Champions!
The girls had an amazing day, winning all five’s games, including a tense final by 1 point against a strong Robert Gordon’s side.
We were delighted that Saints Netball, in partnership with the University of St Andrews, could sponsor today’s Scottish Independent Schools Netball Association tournament!
We were also pleased to see the event live-streamed by Nextgenxv, helping to showcase the Scottish netball talent on a wider stage.
It was an incredible day showcasing outstanding netball talent from across the country. The level of skill, teamwork, and competitiveness on display throughout the day was very impressive!
Our very own Corinna S was also awarded Defender of the Tournament & MVP of the tournament!
And Captain Flora R has been part of every winning team.
Well done, girls!
13 Players Step Up to Glasgow Warriors and Scottish Rugby
A record number of Strathallan students have represented the Glasgow Warriors in their U18, U17 and U16 squads following a phenomenal rugby union season, which saw Strathallan’s U18 1st XV lift the inaugural Open Conference trophy.
A total of 13 Strathallan players progressed into the Warriors pathway after standout performances in the Caledonia fixtures, with eight earning selection for Scottish Rugby U18 squads.
U18: Ben McD, Hamish M, Finlay A, Angus M, Leo C, Murray S, Coel P, Matthew H, Jak C, James T
U17: Rory D, Hugo J
U16: Enzo B
Speaking about his selection to the Warriors U16 side, Enzo said: “I’ve just finished up with the Caledonia programme and now I’m moving into the U16 Warriors. I’m really looking forward to learning from the coaches, especially around game understanding and decision-making, and seeing how I can apply that back into my own rugby. I want to see how far I can go and make the most of the opportunity.”
Matthew H (U18) added: “It’s a really exciting programme and a big step up from school and club rugby. The Warriors environment is tough and demanding, but that’s what makes it so rewarding. Getting into the Scotland U18 squad shows how far the rugby has come this year. The boys have worked incredibly hard and it’s brilliant to see that recognised.”
Director of Rugby, Andy Douglas, said: “It’s fantastic to see so many of the boys progressing into the Glasgow Warriors programme after such a strong season. The work they’ve put in has set them up well to continue developing, and we hope to see them push on towards national honours.”
Further recognition sees Hamish M, Ben McD, Finlay A and Matthew H and Coel P named in the Scotland U18 training squad, with Jak C, Angus M and Leo C selected for the extended squad. All eight will be aiming to impress ahead of the U18 Six Nations in France later this year.
Perth & Kinross Sports Awards
Massive congratulations to Ali E on winning Young Sports Personality of the Year at the Perth & Kinross Sports Awards.
And congratulations to our Girls Tennis Team who were finalists in the Team of the Year category.
Competing against senior opposition
Since November, our Senior Girls have taken on Midlands Indoor League Division 1 at the Douglas Sports Centre in Dundee. As the only U18 school side in the competition, they faced five established adult club teams in what was always going to be a significant step up.
Across 10 scheduled fixtures, with one cancelled due to weather, 19 players represented the team including three goalkeepers. Director of Hockey Ms Green also featured in selected matches, adding experience in a fast and demanding adult league.
The numbers tell the story 54 goals scored 6 wins
For such a young squad, competing and winning at this level is a fantastic achievement.
Olympic Legend
While out in Dubai on our sports tour, Strathallan Director of Sport, Mr Thompson, had the honour of presenting Veryan Pappin with his Team GB International Hockey cap on behalf of the Hockey Museum.
Veryan’s incredible career includes 18 caps for Great Britain & 37 caps for Scotland, along with an Olympic bronze medal from the 1984 Los Angeles games and an Olympic gold medal from the 1988 Seoul Olympics with the Great Britain men’s hockey team - a legend of the sport - congratulations Veryan!
Gold and Silver Success at Nordic Championships
Youth Gold and Silver for Hamish B at the British National, Inter-Services and Army Nordic Ski Championships in Ruhpolding, Germany.
Saturday | 10km classic
1st Youth category, 29th overall (144 competitors).
Sunday | 7.5km skate.
2nd Youth category, 5th overall (53 competitors).
Two outstanding performances against the strongest Nordic skiers from all three services.
Rugby
We are incredibly proud to share that former pupil Logan Williams has been named in the New Zealand U20s Development Programme.
This is a massive milestone in Logan’s rugby journey and a testament to the hard work, grit, and talent he showed during his time here at Strathallan School.
Congratulations Logan.
A strong weekend for Strathallan Rugby saw eight U18 boys represent Caley, winning all of their games and producing a series of outstanding performances.
Building on that success, ten Strathallan players have now been selected to progress into the Glasgow Warriors U18s squad, recognising the hard work and commitment shown throughout the season:
Ben Mc
Hamish M
Finlay A
Angus M
Leo K
Murray S
Coel P
Matthew H
Jak C
James T
Director of Strathallan Rugby, Andy Douglas said, “It’s brilliant to see so many of the boys moving into the Glasgow Warriors programme after the season they’ve had. The work they’ve put in has set them up to hopefully progress through the Warriors pathway and on to national honours.”
We are incredibly proud of our U18 1st XV following the Scottish Schools Cup Final at Scottish Gas Murrayfield (21–33).
Although the result did not fall our way, the performance, resilience and togetherness shown by the squad epitomised our School values.
A huge thank you to all our supporters for the incredible noise, and to the coaching and school staff who backed the team every step of the way.
Thanks to George Watson’s College for an excellent final.
Equestrian
A brilliant day for Strathallan’s Showjumping team at Dollar’s inaugural show jumping at Howe Equestrian Centre.
Our riders produced outstanding performances, claiming Team 1st in both Class 1 (40cm) and Class 6 (90cm)
Class 1 (40cm) – Team 1st
Anna D & Blairhill Caper – Individual 1st
Amelia G & Magpie
Charlotte W & Earcroft Tomboy
Anna said she was “very proud of the success and of how Caper jumped,” after a superb winning round.
Class 6 (90cm) – Team 1st
Olivia K & Forever Business
4 Elspeth W & Star
5 Elspeth W & Bebe
with Louise W & Whiskey
The day finished with another strong result in Class 7 (100cm), securing Team 2nd, including an excellent Individual 2nd for Elspeth W & Bebe.
Hockey
Huge congratulations to Maisie D and Anna G for being selected for the Scottish Hockey National Emerging Squad!
Saturday 28th February saw a huge afternoon of hockey at Strath, as we hosted Loretto School with an incredible 63 boys representing the School across four senior teams.
It was a brilliant showcase of depth and development within the programme - particularly the Fourth Formers stepping up to senior level.
1st XI – 4–2 win 2nd XI – 5–0 win
Goals from Douglas, Callum, Josh and Finlay S (x2) sealed the victories, with three of the scorers coming from the Fourth Form cohort - a real statement of the strength coming through our junior ranks.
Senior Boys’ Hockey
Swimming
Tayside Schools Swimming Championships 2026
15 Strathallan swimmers took to the pool at Olympia in Dundee and delivered a night to remember at the Tayside Schools Championships.
12 Gold
5 Silver
2 Bronze Countless significant Personal Bests
Double golds for Lexie L, Euan W, Finlay B and Logan H, with standout swims across the board:
Lexie L – Gold 200 IM, Gold 400 IM
Imogen J – Gold 200 IM, Silver 100 F/C
Euan W – Gold 200 IM, Gold 100 BR
Finlay B – Gold 200 B/C, Gold 100 B/C
Sam C – Silver 200 IM, 4th 100 BR
Logan H – Gold 200 F/C, Gold 100 F/C
Andrew L – Gold 200 Fly, Silver 100 F/C
Luke J – Gold 200 B/C, Bronze 100 F/C
Soren Y – Gold 100 Fly, Silver 200 B/C
Iona H – Silver 100 Free, Bronze 200 Free
A special mention to Daniela L, who took an incredible 3 seconds off her 100 Free PB.
Four members of our Strathallan Prep Swim Team - Erin McF, Annabelle M, Gabriella J and Francesca J - also qualified and produced excellent races on the night.
An outstanding team performance. We’re proud of you all.
Earlier this month, Strathallan swimmers delivered a phenomenal set of performances across the Midlands, West, North and East Championships.
At the Midlands Championships, Logan H (13/14), Luke J (15/16) and Finlay B (17+) dominated their respective age groups, securing a clean sweep of gold medals in both the 200m Individual Medley and 100m Backstroke across the 13/14, 15/16 and 17+ categories.
Logan also struck gold in the 200m Freestyle, while Luke added gold in the 50m Butterfly and bronze in the 200m Freestyle. Finlay completed an outstanding meet with four gold medals, including victories in the 200m Freestyle and 50m Backstroke.
Imogen J impressed in a highly competitive 15/16 field, claiming silver in the 100m Freestyle and bronze medals in both the 50m Freestyle and 100m Breaststroke. Regional success continued:
In the West, Euan W (17+) powered to gold in the 50m Breaststroke.
In the North, Lexie L delivered a superb five-medal haul, including gold in the 100m Breaststroke.
In the East, Andrew L (15/16) produced a brilliant butterfly double, winning both the 50m and 200m Butterfly, alongside silver and bronze in freestyle events.
Also in the East, Kristin M won bronze in 1500m Freestyle. An early-season long course meet for many, but an incredibly encouraging marker of the hard work being done in the pool - with plenty more still to come.
Luke J said, “It was amazing to win. I’m really happy with my performance. I went in unsure how I would do but came out with good results, staying focused on each race."
"The 50 Fly was my favourite event. I dropped two seconds off my PB, which I was really pleased with."
"We do a lot of endurance and aerobic-based training in the Strathallan pool, which gives us a solid foundation. I’m hoping to final at SNAGs this year - and hopefully medal too.”
Massive congratulations to Finlay B on his second selection to the Scottish Swimming National Junior Team as they prepare for the Geneva International Swim Meet.
Finlay said: “It’s great to be representing the team again. Geneva is a fantastic venue and a real test of fitness, racing against top swimmers from across the world. Competing alongside elite seniors and juniors pushes you to go fasterhopefully with some big results this weekend.”
Football
A strong day on the pitch for our Senior 1st XIs.
Cross Country
Massive congratulations all our Strathallan Prep runners who took part in the Belhaven Cross Country Championships over the weekend! All our runners gave it their all and did the school proud!
A special mention to Evie C for an outstanding 2nd place finish, and Francesca J for securing 3rd in the U13 Girls’ race. We’re also thrilled that our U13 Girls won the overall team competition for the second year in a row with an incredible score of 29 points!
Our Senior Girls 1st XI enjoyed a positive friendly against Fettes, winning 6-2 in excellent spirit, with players from Strathallan helping Fettes make up numbers on the field. Paulina B led the way with a superb hat-trick.
Meanwhile, our Senior Boys 1st XI were in fine form away from home, recording a 10–4 victory over QVS in the SISFA Cup, with Leo C producing an outstanding five-goal performance.
Squash & Fives
The boys have been busy showing off their skills on the courts!
Squash – A huge congratulations to the team for winning the competition at Kinross Squash Club, beating Glenalmond in a thrilling final!
Fives – The team also hit the road for a short tour, taking on tough opponents: Durham University and Sedbergh School . Fantastic effort from everyone involved!
Well done to all the players – we can’t wait to see what’s next!
Clays
In March, we were delighted to host our annual Strathallan Prep School Clays Competition.
It was a fantastic afternoon of competition, with teams joining us from Ardvreck School, Belhaven Hill School, Craigclowan and St Mary’s School - thank you for making it such an enjoyable and sporting occasion.
Results:
Best High Gun (15/20) – Thomas LP (Strathallan)
1st – Strathallan A Team
2nd – Belhaven
3rd – Strathallan B Team
Well done to everyone who took part - excellent shooting and great sportsmanship throughout
National success for Strathallan Shooters
Last week, Henry G, Thomas L-P and Ajay S competed in the British Schools Pistol Shooting Junior Championships, finishing 3rd overall against the very best in the country. A special mention to Henry, who placed 15th overall in an exceptionally strong field.
Tennis
Congratulations to our Y11-13 girls team who have qualified for the Regional Finals of the LTA Youth Schools Competition 148 teams entered & we are through to the last 16.
Congratulations to our girls tennis team who competed at the finals in Sunderland. After losing out to eventual champions Mary Erskine in the semi-final, the team of Nancy Z, Lois M, Lotta K, Charlotte P and Carla E performed magnificently to record a win against St Peter’s York, and seal a 3rd place finish!
Our congratulations to all the players and teams on making it a fantastic advert for schools’ tennis.
Congratulations to Ali E on winning the Oriam Tennis Centre Winter Regional Tour 16U Boys singles competition.
Ali comfortably moved through the early rounds and into today’s semi-final - where he’d meet the top seed, Oran M.
Ali had the edge this time and progressed to the finals where he faced second seed, Iain Robertson.
In a high quality final, Ali produced some great tennis to win his first Grade 3 singles title of the year.
Good luck to Sophie, Thomas & Ali who will represent the North of Scotland in the U18s County Cup.
Sophie and the girls team will travel to Grantham. Thomas and Ali will travel to the Wirral. Play well.
U18 North of Scotland County selection.
FAGE LTA Youth Schools Year 11 - 13 North Regional Tennis Finals 2026
Netball
Silverware for Harriet!
Congratulations to Strathallan Netball Scholar Harriet R, who helped secure Silver for Scotland at the Netball Europe U17 Championships 2026.
An incredible achievement - we’re so proud!
Huge congratulations to Harriet S on her selection into the Netball Scotland U15 Long Squad!
A dedicated GK/GD who’s been playing since Third Form and loves learning from her teammates.
Harriet told us, “I feel so privileged to be a part of the team and can’t wait to represent Scotland.”
Our Strath 2s first ever Perth & Kinross Netball Association League win!
Senior Girls Inter-house netball
Strathallians
Massive congratulations to former pupil Aicha Sutcliffe who has been selected for the Scottish Rugby Women’s Six Nations squad!
Fantastic to see Aicha who has played for Stirling County RFC and Glasgow Warriors get selected
Our Director of Strathallan’s Rugby Academy, Andy Henderson was delighted to welcome back former pupil and Scotland international Jamie Ritchie, fresh from scoring against England in the Calcutta Cup for Scottish Rugby.
Jamie spent time with our senior rugby players, sharing insights from the international stage, before heading pitchside to support our Prep Hockey 7s.
The tournament welcomed more than 140 pupils from schools including the High School of Dundee, Belhaven Hill, Loretto, ESMS, Ardvreck, George Heriot’s, Craigclowan, St Mary’s, Glasgow Academy, George Watson’s, Fettes Prep and Cargilfield.
It is always inspiring for our pupils to see former Strathallians performing at the very highest level of the game.
We wish Jamie a speedy recovery and extend our best wishes to the Scotland Six Nations squad, which proudly includes fellow former pupils Matt and Zander Fagerson, George Horne and Murphy Walker.
Fin Ronnie and Eric Davey
Massive congratulations to former pupils Fin Ronnie and Eric Davey on their selections to Scottish Rugby squads.
Fin Ronnie (Class of 2025), currently starring for Watsonians RFC, is set to pull on the thistle as part of this year’s Scotland U20 Six Nations squad. Fin told us he’s looking forward to the challenge and is hoping to make his impact from the bench as they face Italy.
Eric Davey (Class of 2022), playing for Stirling County, has been selected for the Scotland Club XV training squad - a well-deserved reward for his continued hard work and consistency.
Fin and Eric join a growing list of former pupils wearing the thistle on the international stage this season, including Ollie Smith (Scotland A & Six Nations), Cameron Henderson (Scotland A), Matt Fagerson, Zander Fagerson, George Horne and Jamie Ritchie.
A special shoutout to Tom Sandiforth, Ritchie’s former exchange partner, who spent time at Strathallan from September to December 2010, boarding in Nicol House while on exchange from Canberra Grammar School.
Tom was selected for France’s Six Nations training squad, and we hope to see him take the field in blue in the future.
From Perthshire to the world stage, we wish all our former pupils the very best as they represent their countries with pride this season.
A dream come true
Congratulations to former pupil Blair Davie, Class of 2018, on playing the OVO Hydro this evening, opening for James Arthur. What a moment!
British Shooting
Huge congratulations to former pupil Molly Hall on her selection!
British Shooting has confirmed the athletes selected onto its Olympic and Paralympic Potential Programme for 2026.
The programme supports athletes across Shotgun, Rifle and Pistol, accelerating progression towards the World Class Programme while identifying talent capable of developing towards LA 2028, Brisbane 2032 and beyond.
A strong group of athletes, a clear pathway and a long-term vision.
