ST LEONARDS SCHOOL

St Leonards School is Independent School of the Year for International Student Experience. Head, Simon Brian, explains the benefits of a truly global education.

As Head of St Leonards School in St Andrews, I am often asked about the benefits of our global learning community and our diverse pupil body. By way of reply, I often refer to an occasion when a group of our Scottish day pupils were discussing their plans for their future with some of our boarders from overseas. Our Scottish pupils were talking about how excited they were about exploring the world through the IB, while our international pupils were recounting how excited they were to be discovering Scotland! Each time I recall this moment, it serves as the perfect reminder of the richness of a globally-focused learning community and the importance of international perspectives.

Our global learning community, underpinned by our all-through International Baccalaureate curriculum from age five to 18, provides our young people with a unique and open-minded perspective on the world. It allows them to see beyond their own borders and gain a deeper understanding of many different cultures and ways of living. This is particularly important in today’s increasingly interconnected world, where the ability to navigate diverse cultures is an essential skill.

Our overseas pupils play a crucial role in our school. They bring a richness of perspective and diversity of experience, and this, in turn, enriches the experiences of all our young people, as well as those of our staff. In addition to helping to create an inclusive and welcoming environment, the presence of our international pupils helps to broaden the horizons of our pupils from Scotland and the wider UK, who have the opportunity to learn from different cultures and perspectives. That is what our education for life (Ad Vitam!) at St Leonards is all about.

We are so pleased that St Leonards was named Independent School of the Year 2022 for the International Student Experience Award, recognising our commitment to providing the best possible experience for students from overseas. At St Leonards, we are dedicated to ensuring that international pupils feel warmly welcomed and valued in our school community.