Dollar Academy

Dollar Academy is one of Scotland’s leading schools, providing boarding and day education for boys and girls aged from 5-18. It was recently awarded the accolade of Sunday Times Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year for 2018, having finished third in the newspaper’s academic league table.

Founded in 1818, Dollar Academy has a proud heritage and an outstanding academic reputation. The school focuses on ‘excellence, opportunity and community’ and helps students develop the enthusiasm, ability and ambition to successfully meet the challenges of university and beyond.

Academic

High quality teaching produces outstanding academic achievement. Dollar pupils are highly successful in winning places at top universities and the school offers specialised courses and industry placements to support applications in a variety of areas, including Medicine, Law, Engineering and Business. The art and music departments are of national renown.

Co-Curricular

There are over 70 co–curricular activities on offer including sports, art, music, drama, academic and cultural activities. Sports range from rugby and hockey, to surfing, shooting, curling and even ultimate frisbee! Musically, the pipe band are World Champions (2018, 2017, 2015, 2014, 2013), and there are a variety of large and small scale musical productions and concerts, and a choice of twelve choirs and orchestras. There is also a full CCF programme with a very well supported Duke of Edinburgh Award scheme. A full list of activities can be found here: https://www.dollaracademy.org.uk/activities

Dollar teams are always among the strongest in the country and the school has Internationalists across a range of activities. It is perhaps more important, however, to note that the school places great emphasis on simply taking part. Every pupil has the opportunity to perform and compete, often achieving success in activities that they have never tried before.

Further information

The teaching facilities are first class and include a new award-winning Modern Languages building, specialised teaching areas for Science, Music and Art, a drama studio, music auditorium and recording studio. The main school building is a striking neo-classical design by the eminent Scottish Architect William Henry Playfair and is noted for its ‘whispering gallery’ domed ceiling in the library. Dollar has outstandingly beautiful boarding houses, each decorated and furnished to a very high standard and providing spacious and comfortable accommodation.

Pupils have ample social and recreation space, access to acres of sports fields, an on-site gymnasium, swimming pool, all-weather courts, private gardens, art studios and music practice rooms.

Admissions & Fees

Admissions & Fees

It can be hard to know what to expect from a new school which is why you are encouraged to visit Dollar to see the campus for yourself. Visits can be arranged at any time of year although term time gives you the opportunity to meet with key staff and pupils in relevant year groups.

To arrange a visit, contact the Rector at rector@dollaracademy.org.uk to discuss your child’s interests and abilities. Means-tested bursaries and scholarships are available.

Entrance tests

Dollar is an academically selective school and entrance is by written test and/or interview. Entrance examinations for the August intake take place at the end of January, but can be arranged at a later date if more suitable. If your child is unable to go to Dollar to sit the test, alternative arrangements can be made closer to home. Applications are accepted throughout the year.