Founded in 1859, St Aloysius’ College is a Catholic school for boys and girls aged 3 to 18. The school is fully co-educational at all stages (Kindergarten to S6) with a roll drawn from a wide catchment area in and around Glasgow.
As Scotland’s only Jesuit school, St Aloysius’ College shares a tradition of educational excellence that is almost 500 years old. It is part of a worldwide network of schools and universities whose mission is the “Improvement in living and learning for the greater glory of God and the common good” (St Ignatius Loyola).
The College creates an environment that is underpinned by mutual respect, friendship, and care for others. It prides itself on upholding a clear set of religious, moral, and spiritual values.
Five Jesuit values underpin life at the College: Delight in Learning, Personal Excellence, Make a Difference, Care and Respect, and Faith and Values.
Great importance is placed upon educating the whole person, with pupils encouraged to develop confidence, leadership, and teamwork through sport, outdoor activity, music, drama, and many other activities.
Buildings. St Aloysius’ College is located in the historic Garnethill area of central Glasgow with additional facilities in Millerston. The College’s main Garnethill campus is made up of a number of school buildings and is well served by public transport.
The College campus is varied, providing examples of both award-winning modern architecture and construction, as well as historic listed buildings. The original Jesuit residence, now part of the school, is a listed building, as is The Mount where Art and Music are taught, and the magnificent St Aloysius’ Church which the College uses regularly.
Two further additions to the St Aloysius’ College campus, The Junior School and The Clavius Building used for Maths, Science and Computing, have attracted widespread critical acclaim. The buildings have been the subject of great praise and won many architectural awards, including the Best New Building in Scotland 2004.
The Kindergarten building is located beside the Junior School and is the ideal place for younger pupils to learn and play.
Completed in 2017, the state-of-the-art sports complex is situated adjacent to the original College building. It comprises a large games hall, dance studio, cardio and weights room, viewing gallery, and a café.
Curriculum. The Junior School and lower years of the Senior School follow internally devised courses that are suitable for academically able children. All Junior School pupils study specialist subjects such as science, art, music, IT, and languages from Kindergarten and P1. National 5 is taken at the end of S4 and pupils take five Highers in S5. A wide range of Advanced Highers and other courses are available in S6.
Music and the Arts. At St Aloysius’ College, pupils are taught the art of self-expression through the development of the imaginative, the affective, and the creative. These three elements of Jesuit education are essential to the formation of the whole person. Art is taught from Junior School by specialist teachers and there is an established music department with instrumental lessons from P3, orchestras, and the unique Schola Choral Programme.
Sport and Outdoor Education. St Aloysius’ College offers an outstanding programme of sport and physical education. Rugby and Hockey remain the College’s principal sports from P6 to U18 level. Cross-country and athletics are also offered at all levels, while Senior School pupils have the opportunity to represent the college in basketball, football, and swimming.
The College also offers opportunities to learn wider Outdoor Education and pupils have enjoyed great success in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award programme.
Co-Curricular. As well as Music and the Arts, and Sport, St Aloysius' College has an extensive co-curricular programme designed to encourage personal excellence and a delight in learning. This begins at Junior School, where children can participate in the likes of STEM club, and continues in Senior School where pupils are involved in Public Speaking and Justice and Peace to name but a few.
Admission. Entrance assessments are held in January and informal meetings with parents form part of the application process at all stages. Pupils from Primary 4 upwards will also be asked to send in a ‘Your Green Blazer Story’ as part of their application.
Fees per annum (2023-2024). £11,421–£14,976.
Bursaries are available on consideration of parents’ income.
Charitable status. St Aloysius’ College is a Registered Charity, number SC042545.