Gordonstoun

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

Gordonstoun follows the English GCSE and A level curriculum. With a staff/pupil ratio of 1:7 and every student’s progress carefully overseen by their tutor, they go on Universities, Colleges and Art Schools all over the world.

Performance in national qualifications was described as ‘an important strength of the school’ by HM Inspectors in 2019 and staff have a relentless drive to nurture each individual. In its latest inspection report, Gordonstoun was described as ‘sector leading’.
The school’s location in the north of Scotland provides the background for Gordonstoun’s world beating outdoor education programme. Through expeditions and sail training voyages, students gain experience in leadership and team building. 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 comprises a core part of Gordonstoun’s curriculum for all year groups, but from Year 11 each student also commits to one of the school’s nine services.

The Gordonstoun community is both balanced and internationally dynamic. With students aged from 4 ½ -18, the school is fully co-educational and students live and learn alongside fellow students from across the social, cultural and geographical board.

Gordonstoun also has its renowned Gordonstoun International Summer School (GISS), a three-week course in July which welcomes students from all over the world to spend time at school and also on the glorious West Coast of Scotland. With full use of the school’s comprehensive facilities students can enjoy a wide range of activities, choose a study subject and enjoy other classes which include Art, Design and Technology, Music and Sports. The programme includes an incredible week of outdoor adventure and sailing which is often a highlight, whilst making friends and having a lot of fun! Many young people who attend our Summer School go on to join Gordonstoun. GISS welcomes students aged 8-16 from 35 countries. For more information on GISS please see www.giss.org.uk or speak to Director Claire MacGillivray or Sabine Richards, who are attending BESSA, about either GISS or Gordonstoun.