Strathallan School
Strathallan School
Perth, Scotland
The Strathallan School near Perth is one of the friendliest schools we know. The atmosphere is pleasantly informal, with teachers treating pupils as equals. The 153-hectare, park-like campus is quite impressive: private lakes, a slalom course for canoeists, a fishing club with fresh trout, plus golf courses, sports halls, and excellent music and art facilities. The school takes pride in its sporting and artistic culture and is very lively.
The Details
The Academics
Strathallan is not one of the highly selective boarding schools – which makes the current exam results all the more remarkable: in 2024, 37% of students achieved A grades in their A-Levels, and 51% of GCSE grades were in the top 9–7 band. A key factor in this success is the exceptional dedication of the teaching staff. Many of them live directly on campus and provide support to their pupils in the evenings and outside of lessons.
Languages Taught
English as a Foreign Language, French, Spanish, German and Latin.
The Boarding
About two-thirds of the students live in the boarding houses. The accommodations are well-maintained, practical, and rather modest—functional rather than luxurious. Most students share a room with one or two others, while senior students typically have single rooms. Although the buildings may not be architecturally striking, the close-knit house communities create a warm, supportive atmosphere where students quickly feel at home.
Strengths & Weaknesses
Strengths
The Strathallan School enjoys a reputation throughout Scotland as a true sports school—especially in rugby, where it consistently delivers top performances. But the range of sports goes well beyond that: football, hockey, tennis, fencing, swimming, golf, and even sailing are all on the timetable. This is made possible by excellent facilities, the result of over £22 million invested in the past two decades. Among them is a large sports hall, so hockey can be played even in bad weather.
Artistically, Strathallan also has a lot to offer. We love the wonderfully eclectic art department—three floors full of creativity! The music scene is lively, too: from performances at the annual musical showcase in the Perth Concert Hall to intimate jam sessions among friends. The school runs its own in-house label, Strathallan Studios, where students can professionally record their own songs with real producers and state-of-the-art equipment.
Strathallan places great importance on connecting with the world beyond campus. Particularly impressive is the Kenya Project: through student-led fundraising activities such as the popular “Tasty Tuesdays,” social projects in Nairobi are supported. Every year, a team of students and teachers travels to Kenya to lend a hand on-site. For the young people, these experiences not only broaden their cultural horizons but also build self-confidence, communication skills, and social responsibility.
And yes, the food is really as good as everyone says!
Weaknesses
We can’t think of anything. We’re big fans!
Location
The Strathallan School is situated idyllically in rural Forgandenny, just about 11 kilometers south of Perth in central Scotland. Perth train station is approximately a 15-minute drive away and offers regular connections to Edinburgh, Glasgow, Dundee, and the Highlands. For international arrivals, both Edinburgh Airport and Glasgow Airport (around 1 hour by car) are easily accessible.
A school with a warm, down-to-earth atmosphere — ideal for active all-rounders who want to thrive academically, creatively, and in sports.
If you visit Strathallan, the best day is Wednesday. That’s when the whole school gathers in the chapel, and wearing kilts is mandatory. Even Headmaster Lauder dons the traditional Scottish kilt on that day.
Take a look at similar schools
Barnard Castle School
Glenalmond College
Sedbergh School
30 Years experience in the UK boarding school placements
For over 30 years, we have been guiding families in choosing the right British boarding school. This makes us one of the first and only agencies to specialise exclusively in this field. Our experience makes all the difference. Find out why that matters here.
Want to discuss any of the schools?
Please never hesitate to reach out if you have any questions. One of our consultants will be more than happy to talk to you and your child.