St Leonards School

St Leonards offers an outstanding education for boys and girls aged five to 18, and is perfectly positioned in the heart of the seaside, university town of St Andrews. A St Leonards education is rooted in Scottish tradition, but progressive and international in its outlook. St Leonards was the first all-through International Baccalaureate school in Scotland, and helps pupils to become globally-minded citizens who leave ready to make a meaningful difference around the world. There are pupils from over 37 nationalities on our school roll this year, creating a vibrant boarding community. Timetables are designed to establish a healthy balance of excellent academic studies alongside a wealth of co-curricular opportunities, many of which capitalise on our unique location in the ‘home of golf’ and just a two-minute walk from the beach. Truly an education Ad Vitam (for life).

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Further information

Situated within medieval walls in the heart of St Andrews, St Leonards offers an outstanding education for boarding and day pupils aged 5-19. Following three years as the Sunday Times Schools Guide’s Top Independent School Sixth Form in Scotland for IB/A Level results, St Leonards was named Scotland’s Independent School of the Year 2019 by the Sunday Times Schools Guide.

Just one hour from Edinburgh, St Leonards is a leading IB school, and one of just two IB continuum schools in the UK, combining academic excellence with superb facilities, an unrivalled location, and an international outlook.

Thanks to an ambitious £4m refurbishment plan, students live in modern, stylish comfort in a country house setting, where bedrooms have sea views beyond the playing fields. All are equipped with state-of-the-art kitchens and open-plan social spaces, as well as comfortable study bedrooms fit for a 21st century education. Full, flexi and weekly boarding is available from age 10. An exciting programme of weekend and evening activities for both boarders and day pupils spans everything from adventure sports to cookery, movie nights, beach walks, cultural trips and more.

St Leonards has a leading five-tier Golf Programme for players of all abilities, run in partnership with the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, and with more than 35 co-curricular activities on offer, plus sports, and well-established links with the University of St Andrews, students have countless opportunities to develop new and existing interests, wherever they may lie.

Admissions & Fees

Entry requirements

Years 1 – 6

Pupils entering Year 12 are usually expected to have gained:

• GCSE Grade B for Higher Level subjects and grade C for Standard Level subjects;
• An acceptable international equivalent to those mentioned above.

All pupils will be required to sit CAT4 tests in Maths and English. Pupils for whom English is not their first language are expected to have obtained a standard of English equivalent to the Cambridge First Certificate or IELTS academic grade 6.

Further parent information about the CAT4 entrance assessments

Open Mornings

Open Mornings are held twice a year, typically in October and May. This is an opportunity to tour the beautiful school grounds, meet the Head and Senior Leadership Team, Admissions Team, key members of academic staff and, most importantly, our current pupils. However, any day is an open day at St Leonards, and we very much welcome visits out with our Open Mornings at a time to suit you and your family. Individual visits can be arranged by contacting the Admissions Team at registrar@stleonards-fife.org

Scholarships and Academic Bursaries

The Governing Council of St Leonards School offers a limited number of Academic Bursaries to pupils from Year 5 upwards with good academic standing. The aim is to make a St Leonards education accessible to as many people as possible, including those who, for financial reasons, may not otherwise have considered St Leonards.

Candidates for Academic Bursaries are tested in English and Mathematics, and applications are now open to new and existing students. It must be noted that there are a limited number of assisted places. Most are day places but some fully-funded boarding places can become available.  Academic Bursaries may be given up to a level of 100% of fees, however, the level of fees is determined following a means-tested assessment of parental income. Further details are available from the Chief Operating Officer.

Scholarships at St Leonards are awarded as a means of recognising achievement and excellence in academic study, sport, music, drama and art. They are not associated with any remission on fees, although a gift voucher may be awarded to successful candidates. Golf scholarships are awarded annually at the discretion of the Director of Golf, following a Golf Scholarship Day at the St Andrews Links Golf Academy.