Glenalmond College

Glenalmond College has a well-justified reputation as one of the UK’s top boarding schools, with a tradition of excellence and achievement.

The academic focus of the school is clear, and has resulted in around half of its leavers each year getting places at Russell Group universities, the top 24 universities in the UK.  5-10% of pupils each year achieve places at Oxford and Cambridge, 98% of leavers go on to university or higher education and every pupil is helped throughout their school career to recognise and develop their academic strengths.

All pupils study for GCSEs and A levels, with a curriculum spanning 24 subjects in the Sixth Form offering an excellent basis for entry to university and higher education.  Glenalmond pupils are encouraged to develop a spirit of academic enquiry and an interest in learning for its own sake as well as to secure good exam grades.  The school has a programme of visiting lecturers throughout the year, and regular cultural and academic trips outside the school are organised to supplement classroom teaching.

The William Bright Society at Glenalmond identifies, promotes and develops academic excellence in all areas of the school.  A series of lectures is organised every year,  and members also benefit from the ‘Thinking Series’ – a programme of academic courses to develop critical reasoning and promote philosophical debate.

As well as developing academic potential, Glenalmond encourages its pupils in other areas too.  A wide range of sports, activities, clubs and societies are on offer to the 380 girls and boys aged 12 to 18. Drama and music play an important part in the life of the school, with plays and musicals performed in school, at the city Concert Hall and at the world-famous Edinburgh Festival Fringe.  Glenlamond’s musicians perform across the country, and many perform with national choirs and youth orchestras.

On the sporting front, the school’s Athlete Development Programme ensures that the school’s young sportsmen and women benefit from the best coaching available, and excellent facilities including a new rugby and lacrosse pitch and world-class water-based hockey pitch.  The school also has its own 25-metre indoor swimming pool and 9-hole golf course.

Further information

The school benefits from dynamic, energetic and committed teaching staff, all of whom live on campus and help create the very tangible sense of community that is evident at Glenalmond.  This approach is central to Glenalmond’s continued success, ensuring that all pupils, both day pupils and boarders, receive the individual attention and support that they need to make the most of their talents and abilities.

The school is located just 8 miles from the small city of Perth, one hour from Edinburgh or Glasgow, on a stunning 300-acre rural campus.  The environment inspires learning, provides freedom from distraction, and provides the space, grounds and facilities for an outstanding range of extra-curricular activities.

The ethos of Glenalmond is clear – to create an inspiring environment for young people to learn and grow.  When pupils leave Glenalmond for university, they do so with confidence and maturity, and with an attitude towards life that will enable them realise their ambitions.

Admissions & Fees

Entry Requirements

Junior Entry
A number of pupils are admitted each year into Junior Entry (12+). Entry to the Second Form is subject to tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning.

Third Form
At 13+ pupils at preparatory schools will sit either the Common Entrance Examination or the Academic Scholarship examination.  Pupils coming from other schools take our tests in English, Mathematics and Verbal Reasoning. Additionally a reference is required from the applicant’s current school.

Fourth Form
At 14+ pupils enter immediately into the two year GCSE course and are assessed through our own tests and by recommendation from their current schools.

Fifth Form
Entry directly into the Fifth Form (halfway through GCSE courses) can pose problems with preparation for these examinations, but applications at this stage are considered on merit.

Sixth Form
For entry into A Level, the minimum requirement is 5 GCSE grades at B or above, or equivalent. In certain subjects (e.g. Maths) an A grade at GCSE would normally be expected.  Sixth Form Entrance Tests may also be required in the subjects chosen for A Level.

Additional entry criteria for those whose first language is not English

For those whose first language is not English, we expect, as a minimum, an Intermediate standard (IELTS Grade 4 or equivalent) of written and spoken English in order for pupils to be able to meet the requirements of academic courses. Please contact the Head of Admissions (registrar@glenalmondcollage.co.uk) for further information.

Glenalmond College Scholarships and Bursaries

Bursaries are awarded purely according to the financial position of the family and are reviewed annually.  Each year funds are made available to a number of pupils for whom it would not be possible without financial assistance to come to Glenalmond or, due to changed financial circumstances, to complete their education at Glenalmond.

Applications for bursaries to be sent to: bursar@glenalmondcollege.co.uk

Scholarships are financial awards that are based on a child demonstrating excellence in a particular area. Academic, music, piping, sport (outstanding talent) and art & design scholarships are available at Glenalmond, as well as an all-rounder award for those showing particular potential in more than one area. These scholarships and awards can lead to a percentage reduction in the overall fees.

Application forms need to be returned to our Director of Finance no later than March 15th in the calendar year of entry.

There are also a number of other types of financial assistance available:

Armed Forces
Serving members of the armed forces are guaranteed to pay no more than 10% of the fees when in receipt of Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA).

Clergy
Members of the clergy receive an automatic discount of 10% on the basic fee.

Sibling Discount
Automatic sibling discounts are offered to the third child (25%) and to the fourth child (50%) when all children are at the school concurrently.

More information is available in the downloadable leaflet, Guide to Financial Assistance 2018-19 or by contacting our Head of Admissions, Mr Mike Jeffers registrar@glenalmondcollege.co.uk.