Gordonstoun

A Secure and Peaceful Environment

As well as preparing students for exams, Gordonstoun prepares them for life.  The school’s uniquely broad curriculum encourages every individual to fulfil their potential academically as well as individually.

Gordonstoun follows the English GCSE and A level curriculum and students go on to Universities, Colleges and Art Schools all over the world – from Oxford and Cambridge, to Central St Martins, MIT or the Northern School of Music – to study a diverse range of subjects.

The school’s location on the Moray Coast in the North of Scotland provides the background for Gordonstoun’s world beating outdoor education programme.  Through expeditions and sail training voyages Gordonstoun students gain invaluable experience in being both leaders and team players and in having compassion and understanding for others and of themselves. Their outlook is broadened, their ability to consider the needs of others developed, and they gain resilience – life skills which complement the school’s commitment to academic excellence.

Active engagement in service to the local community also comprises a core part of Gordonstoun’s ‘working week’.  All year groups take part in service, but from Year 11 each student commits to one of the school’s nine services.

We Offer

• Co-educational boarding and day for students from the ages 6 – 18.
• A smooth transfer from the Junior School to the Senior School at age 13.
• Strong academic programme offering GCSEs and A Levels.
• Structured support system and highly trained pastoral care staff.
• Rich mix of culture and languages with over 30 nationalities represented.
• A full programme of activities being organised at weekends and leave-outs. We are one of the few remaining boarding schools in the UK which is truly boarding, with 90% boarding in the Senior School.

Further information

Facilities

The facilities on offer are unparalleled in the north of Scotland and include:

• A new state of the art Sports Complex with indoor playing surface, heated swimming pool, multi-gym, climbing wall, squash courts, and a floodlit Astroturf playing surface.
• 200 seater Performing Arts Theatre, including dance and rehearsal studios.
• Vibrant Music Department with recital rooms and recording studio.
• 80 ft Sail Training Vessel, Ocean Spirit of Moray.
• On-site Fire Station complete with Fire Appliances as part of the student Services programme.
• The iconic Round Square building after which the association of like-minded schools was named.
• A 600 seat Chapel for morning services and concerts.

Opportunities for All

Our students are challenged academically, physically and emotionally and the opportunities available to them are extensive and include:

• A team of dedicated and inspiring teaching staff who ensure that each individual student’s needs are met and the integrated academic curriculum is both stimulating and challenging. A range of subjects is offered to GCSE and A Level. Nearly all Sixth Form students leave Gordonstoun to follow a degree course at their chosen university, including Oxford and Cambridge.
• A unique outdoor education programme is delivered by a fully staffed and equipped Outdoor Education Department. Expeditions and Seamanship play an important part in the curriculum. All Gordonstoun pupils take part in expeditions in the Scottish Highlands and sail open boats in the Moray Firth and on the School sail training vessel, Ocean Spirit of Moray, off the West Coast of Scotland.
• A strong international experience. Students have at least one major international opportunity at School whether on exchange to another Round Square school or on an international service project. Opportunities are also available through sporting and performing arts tours and participation in the Tall Ships Race.
• Providing a service to the local and wider community through membership of one of the School’s 9 rescue and community services. Training takes place every week and in some cases students are “on call” with local rescue and emergency services and they experience real emergency situations.

We believe that the education programme that we offer presents students with life-shaping opportunities which result in memorable and fulfilling experiences. They leave school with more than just good exam results and are ready to make a real difference in the world.

Admissions & Fees

We do not hold Open Days as we like to tailor-make your visit and spend as much time with you as you wish. You are welcome to visit Gordonstoun at any time of the year and on any day apart from Sunday; you just need to arrange a mutually convenient time with us.  We are happy to:

• arrange and co-ordinate your travel plans;
• meet the cost of transfers to and from Aberdeen or Inverness; and
• meet the cost of overnight bed and breakfast accommodation for one evening.

If you are interested in visiting us, please contact Fiona McWilliam or Emma Thorpe, our Assistant Registrars, on admissions@gordonstoun.org.uk.

Aberdeen Airport is around 1½ hours from the School and Inverness Airport around 45 minutes. Both airports are served by all the major and many budget airlines.

For more information on how to get to Gordonstoun:

• Local Accommodation
• Flights to Gordonstoun

Gordonstoun operates a policy of open access, committed to educating young people regardless of nationality, background or financial resources.

If you want to discuss any aspect of admissions, please contact Mrs Sabine Richards, Director of Admissions and Communications on 01343 837773.