Gordonstoun is a Scottish original. It’s the global pioneer of character education – the first school to build an international reputation for academic rigour with unrivalled outdoor experiences. Founded in 1934 by German educator Dr Kurt Hahn, Gordonstoun’s enduring character has evolved to meet the needs of the modern world. Hahn asked his students to never settle for less. Gordonstoun continues his challenge today, with its uniquely broad curriculum. The close-knit boarding community is immersed in a huge range of testing activities from classroom study to ocean sailing, on the 220-acre woodland campus, the local community and across the wider world.
“Gordonstoun doesn’t have to try to be different – it just is. It’s the original holistic education, using outdoor challenges and service to others to build confidence and improve academic performance… if you want an escape from the academic sausage factory and the chance to think out of the box, sign up now.” Good Schools Guide 2020
The school is unapologetic in developing original characters and original thinkers. The school’s motto – Plus Est En Vous – asks students to discover more inside themselves. A rich programme of academic and practical discovery helps students find their own passions and reveal their potential. They leave school ready to face life with purpose and determination. They take with them a lifelong resilience, equipping them for the world beyond its walls.
‘It wasn’t until we saw the curriculum and the schedule of what they would be doing each day that we truly understood the difference between Gordonstoun and other schools.’ Current parent.
Active engagement in service to the local community comprises a core part of Gordonstoun’s ‘working week’, further expanding the students’ sense of personal and social responsibility and building self-esteem. Students volunteer for one of nine services and it is the only school in the UK to have its own Fire Engine, staffed by senior students who respond to genuine emergencies.
“The extensive range of opportunities for personal achievements in the senior school, as part of the Gordonstoun broader curriculum, is outstanding.” HM Inspectors, 2019.
The School. Gordonstoun is a co-educational boarding and day school for children aged 4–18. There are approximately 130 pupils in the Junior school and a further 440 in the Senior School. Gordonstoun prides itself on the balanced make-up of the student body with approximately one third from overseas, one third from Scotland and one third from the rest of the UK. Gordonstoun is the birthplace of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. In 2023, 62 students journeyed across the highlands by foot or canoe for their assessed expeditions. Gordonstoun is also a founding member of The Round Square Organisation and in the Spring Term Year 12 students have the opportunity to spend a part of the term on exchange with Round Square schools around the world; they can also take part in International Service Projects, providing support to communities as far afield and Thailand, India and closer to home in the Northern Isles.
Boarding. Gordonstoun is one of the few remaining full-boarding schools in the UK and nearly 90% of students in the Senior School are full boarders. A full programme of activities is offered throughout weekends and day pupils join in with weekend activities.
Pastoral Care.
“The positive, caring, family ethos of Gordonstoun School promotes a sense of trust, respect and kindness for all.” HM Inspectors, 2019
Our systems are built around our pastoral aims, which closely reflect the Gordonstoun ethos and our aim of developing the whole person. As well as house parents, tutors and every member of staff are trained to look after the children. There is a secure online system to keep track of every child and share necessary information.
“The pastoral set up is the best I’ve seen. Well planned, supportive and built around the child.” Good Schools Guide, 2020
Curriculum. Gordonstoun follows the English National Curriculum of GCSE and A Level examinations. There are a wide range of subjects available at both levels.
In Year 12 students choose three or four A Level subjects and are encouraged to undertake an optional EPQ. BTEC’s are also offered. Most non-English speaking students also take their native language at A Level.
Gordonstoun has a wide support network for those students requiring Learning Support and there is the opportunity to receive one-to-one or small-group teaching.
“My son came from a school down south. He’s a different boy without the pressure. In fact, his work is improving simply because he’s happy.” Current parent.
Academic Results. 2023 saw the return of grade boundaries to pre-pandemic levels and Gordonstoun saw a 30% increase in A levels at grades A*-A. There was a 36% increase in the top grade at GCSE and 45% of their students achieved the equivalent of A*-A in BTECS. Gordonstoun is a non-selective school with clear academic ambition; ensuring that their students meet, or exceed, their own, individual baseline testing which is recorded and carefully monitored throughout their careers at school. 89% of this year’s final-year students achieved a place at a university of their choice.
Destination of Leavers. Students go on to universities, colleges, and art schools all over the world, including Oxford, Cambridge and the UK’s Russell Group universities.
The wide range of activities students undertake during their school years, including training with the Coastguard Service, Fire Service and as Lifeguards, help them to stand out at interview and ensure they have the right skills for rewarding careers.
Sport and Activities.
“Outdoor pursuits are huge and every single student gets involved. Sailing, skiing, hillwalking, climbing. The school owns a 80ft sail-training-vessel, Ocean Spirit, which makes annual trips to destinations such as the Arctic. Sailing is taught in the same kind of cutters as those used by Prince Philip when he was at Gordonstoun. Why? Because they have a crew of eight and teamwork is integral. All pupils are trained in expedition skills and try everything from backpacking and canoeing to exploration. And of course, the school offers a full DofE programme – they did invent it after all, naming it after their most famous alumnus.” Good Schools Guide 2020
In addition to sailing and expeditions, which form an integral part of the curriculum, the school has competitive teams in rugby, football, hockey, basketball, cricket, tennis, athletics and squash for the boys; hockey, netball, tennis, athletics and squash for the girls; and mixed teams in golf and tennis. These teams participate in national competitions and players are regularly chosen to represent district and regional teams. There are also opportunities to compete in swimming galas, cross-country running, skiing, sailing and adventure races. There is a wide range of recreational sports available including: target shooting, badminton, golf, aerobics, yoga, mountain biking, cycling, climbing, kayaking, orienteering, table tennis and horse riding. Indeed, Gordonstoun is, for the second year running, the Scottish School’s Champions in Prelim Dressage and 85 cm Show Jumping.
Gordonstoun prides itself on the strength of its performing arts. dance, drama and Music are available to all students and there are regular collaborations between the three departments to produce major theatrical productions. A weekly dance activity is available to all students and there is also an annual Dance Show, a Senior School musical and regular productions of Shakespeare. The School routinely takes shows to the Edinburgh Fringe Festival. Most recently, they staged a unique adaptation of Macbeth with music by Scottish rock band Biffy Clyro, which played to packed houses. Music students are encouraged to become accustomed to performing in front of audiences large and small via a weekly series of relaxed lunchtime concerts as well as full-scale, formal musical events. Nearly half of the student body receives individual musical tuition in a wide range of instruments. The art department has a teacher from virtually every discipline: fine art to photography.
Wednesday afternoons are also dedicated to working in one of the school’s nine rescue or community services. Service to others develops a sense of responsibility and requires each student giving up his or her time and effort to benefit others without expecting return or reward. It fosters links with the local community and includes training which leads to nationally recognised qualifications which prove useful beyond School life.
Admissions. Gordonstoun will be different from any other school you have looked at or visited. We run regular Virtual Taster Days as well as hosting personal visits to our campus.
We do not hold Open Days as we like to tailor-make your visit and we are happy to advise on your travel plans. Please contact admissions@gordonstoun.org.uk Fees per term (2023-2024). Senior School: Day £10,850, Boarding £15,300; Year 12 & 13 Direct entry: Day £11,867, Boarding £16,330. Junior School: Day £6,450 (Y3–Y8), £4,750 (Y1–Y2), Weekly Boarding (from age 8) £10,350.
Scholarships and Bursaries Awards are generally for 10% of the annual fee. Additional awards may be available based on means-testing.
Charitable status. Gordonstoun Schools Limited is a Registered Charity, number SC037867.