Robert Gordon’s College is a remarkable school which places a strong emphasis on community. Renowned for being a large school with a vibrant environment and high academic achievement, it is also recognised for its ethos of being a caring, inclusive and respectful community.
At Robert Gordon’s College you can do it all! Explore languages, sport, technology, science, social, practical and creative subjects that will open up new ways of thinking and learning.
It is an exciting time for you as a family, as you begin your journey at Robert Gordon’s College – a time where your curiosity allows you to make the most of a wide and varied curriculum. When you love learning you can take on any challenge the world sets you.
Talking about the strong awareness and appreciation of what is best for each individual, Robin Macpherson, Head of College highlights: “At Robert Gordon’s College we instill confidence and respect in all our pupils as they discover their potential in the world. We believe that you will achieve academically and enjoy your time here if you are in a caring, supportive environment and that’s what we aim to provide.
“We encourage pupils to develop their own sense of identity, discover who they are and what their place in the world is. We want them to be brave and adventurous, with a focus on learning how to learn, so they can adapt and thrive in an ever-changing world.”
The Robert Gordon’s community is passionate about sparking curiosity and inspiring appetites for growth through engaging learning environments where pupils can explore and be all they can be.
Mrs Sarah Webb, Head of Junior School shares: “Getting the best start for every child is really important to us. Our aim is for children to be happy, safe and in a nurturing environment.”
“We provide a stimulating and inspiring learning experience within our purpose built classrooms and flexible learning spaces where children are motivated, value hard work and strive to achieve their best.”
Highlighting the strong support for pupils' emotional, education and career development, Mrs Clare Smith, Head of Senior School says: “Our pupils build their knowledge and confidence as they begin to discover more about themselves as learners and explore options for new pathways for the future. Leadership is a key element of these final years at school, where pupils are supported by the wider community of alumni and partners across the world who are extraordinary in their support to assist the next generation of Robert Gordon’s College pupils.”
“We believe that exposing pupils to others who have experienced life beyond school, perhaps moving to a new city or region of the world, experiencing new industries and perhaps even connecting with alumni for work experience, is a critical part of preparing them for the future.”
Learning at Robert Gordon’s is a partnership between home and school that helps pupils discover their strengths and what they enjoy.
Bryan Fagan, Junior School parent adds: “Our children enjoy all aspects of school life at Robert Gordon’s and are heavily involved in lunchtime and after school clubs such as choir, storytelling, movie club and the active sports at Countesswells, and as a parent, it really is hard not to become part of the Gordon's community.”
Number of Pupils. 1,540.
Admission. The main entry points are Primary 1, Primary 6 and Secondary 1. Entry to Primary 1 (age 4½–5½ years) is by interview held in January/February, and to Primary 6 (age 9½–10½ years) by Entrance Test held in January. Entry to Secondary 1 is by an Entrance Examination held in January. Entry at other stages depends upon vacancies arising, and the offer of a place is subject to satisfactory performance in an Entrance Test and interview.
Bursaries. Our new Junior Foundationer Awards offer fee assistance to applicants entering Robert Gordon’s College Junior School. The Foundationer Awards offer pupils the opportunity to be part of a supportive community, whatever their background or interest, they can find their niche and excel.
Robert Gordon’s College offers free places and reduced fee places to pupils every year for entry into Secondary 1. These Bursaries are awarded after jointly assessing financial need and academic merit. Burnett Scholarships offer up to half-fee discounts to pupils of outstanding talent in academic subjects, in music, or in sport and are available to pupils currently in Fourth or Fifth Year at other schools.
Charitable status. Robert Gordon's College is a Scottish Charity, SC000123, regulated by the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR).
Governors & Staff:
Chairman of Governors: Kevin Reynard, BCom, CA
Head of College: Robin Macpherson, BA, MSc, FRSA
Head of Junior School: Jane Tulloch, MA Hons
Deputy Head of Junior School: Sally-Ann Johnson, BEd, MEd
Deputy Head of Junior School: Varie MacLeod, BEd
Head of S1: Mrs Stacey Hardie
Deputy Head and Head of S2 & S3: Mr Neil Buchanan
Deputy Head and Head of S4 & S5: Mrs Claire Cowie
Deputy Head, Pastoral: Mr Robin Fish
Head of S6: Mr Stewart Hardie
Director of Finance: Andrew W Lowden, MA, CA
Director of Development, Marketing and Admissions: Laura Presslie, BA
Director of IT Services: David Stone, BSc, MSc