Gordonstoun School surrounded by nature

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.

We placed 2 pupils here in 2024
Number of students
450
Number of boarders
400
Percentage of international boarders
30%
Average class size
11
Diploma offered
A-Levels
Closest International Airport
1 hr
Inverness Airport - by car
Three hiking Gordonstoun pupils in the Scottish HighlandsThe outdoors

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.

three Gordonstoun students as firemen with their own Fire Service and applianceCommunity service

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.

Closest International Airport
Inverness Airport - 60 mins by car
Aberdeen International Airport - 1 hour 40 mins
Closest Train Station
Elgin Station - 15 mins by car
Nearest Cities
Elgin - 15 mins by car
Our Opinion

A wonderful school with a clear mission: to challenge your child and awaken hidden talents.

Our Insider Tip

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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