Gordonstoun School
Gordonstoun School
Elgin
Far up in the north, right on the Scottish coast and just an hour and a half from Aberdeen, lies Gordonstoun School.The motto of founder Kurt Hahn is present everywhere here: “There is more in you”. Personal development is at the heart of everything – through a combination of outdoor adventure, academic projects and community service, pupils learn exactly that: to embrace new challenges and grow beyond themselves. And by the way: no less than King Charles III once sat in these classrooms – as did his father, Prince Philip.

The Details
The Academics
Gordonstoun offers GCSEs, A-Levels and a small selection of BTECs as school-leaving qualifications.
The school is not academically selective, which makes its 2023 exam results all the more respectable: 53% of GCSE grades were 9–7, and 31% of A-Level grades were As. This is thanks to a strong teacher-pupil ratio of 1:10 and a team of highly committed, supportive teachers.
International boarding pupils can also complete their GCSEs in just one year through a dedicated fast-track programme – usually a two-year course.
The school’s Learning Support Department, which supports pupils with dyslexia and dyscalculia, is particularly strong.
Languages Taught
German, English as a Foreign Language (with fee), French, Latin, Ancient Greek and Spanish.
The Boarding
The atmosphere at Gordonstoun is outstanding, and the sense of community is incredibly strong. No surprise – almost all pupils live on campus. This creates a warm and welcoming environment that truly feels like a big family. 35% of the pupil body is international and well integrated across the school’s nine cosy boarding houses.
Pupils usually share a room with one or two others. In Years 12 and 13, single rooms are available to offer more privacy.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
Gordonstoun lives its identity like few other schools – pupils are constantly encouraged to embrace new challenges, both in the classroom and out in nature.
The outdoor programme is truly impressive: from mountain biking, canoeing and climbing to caving expeditions and sailing – adventure and self-confidence are part of everyday life here.
Gordonstoun also offers a broad range of sports, including rugby, cricket, hockey, riding, skiing, karate, aerobics, golf, swimming and shooting.
One particularly unique feature: Gordonstoun is the only school in Scotland where dance is part of the curriculum – with performances at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival and even in New York.
One of the school’s greatest strengths is its strong emphasis on service to the community – whether volunteering with the coastguard or the local fire service, every pupil learns what it means to give something back.
Weaknesses
Gordonstoun may not be the first choice for pure academics – this is a school focused on holistic education, character development and real adventure. (And yes, we’ve successfully placed academic high-flyers here too!)
Location
Gordonstoun is surprisingly easy to reach – both Aberdeen and Inverness international airports are just an hour or so away by car.
Aberdeen International Airport - 1 hour 40 mins
A wonderful school with a clear mission: to challenge your child and awaken hidden talents.
Gordonstoun is one of the few schools in the UK with its own Adventure Activities licence – a dedicated four-person team ensures there’s never a shortage of exciting outdoor challenges!
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