Gordonstoun School - Introduction
Founded in 1934, Gordonstoun School is situated on the stunning Moray Coast in Northern Scotland, set within a 380-acre estate. It is an all-through school, educating boys and girls from ages 4 to 18. The school currently has around 550 students, with approximately 30% being international pupils from over 40 countries.
Gordonstoun is one of the few remaining full-boarding schools in the UK, with boarding available from age 8 (Year 4).
The school’s motto is Plus est en vous, meaning “There is more in you.” True to this philosophy, Gordonstoun is more than just a school; it is an education in action. The school prepares students not only for exams but for life itself. Alongside A-Level and BTEC programmes, the school provides world-leading outdoor education and demonstrates a deep commitment to community service. It strives to create diverse opportunities for students to try new things, build self-confidence, and achieve the extraordinary.
Notably, while our student body is diverse and inclusive, Gordonstoun has a distinguished history of educating royalty, earning it the reputation of being a “Cradle of Royal Education.” The Duke of Edinburgh, Prince Philip, his three sons (King Charles III, The Duke of York, and The Duke of Edinburgh), and his daughter Princess Anne’s children (Peter Phillips and Zara Tindall) all attended Gordonstoun. If the school had been co-educational at the time, Princess Anne herself would likely have been a student.
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Gordonstoun School - Academics
Gordonstoun provides education for students aged 4 to 18 through its Prep School (ages 4–13), Senior School (ages 13–16), and Sixth Form (ages 16–18).
Prep School
To ensure a smooth transition to the GCSE and A-Level programmes in the Senior School, the Prep School follows the English National Curriculum. It offers a broad range of subjects, including English, Mathematics, Science, Latin, Art, and Music, all designed to unlock each child’s potential and lay a solid foundation for future learning.
The school emphasises small class sizes to foster peer interaction while ensuring each child receives individual attention. In addition to a class teacher, younger year groups are supported by a classroom assistant. A dedicated Learning Support Department is also available to provide one-to-one professional tutoring when needed.
With students hailing from over 40 countries—many of whom do not speak English as their first language—Gordonstoun offers a specialised EAL (English as an Additional Language) programme to provide expert language support.
While academic excellence is paramount, Gordonstoun steadfastly upholds the belief of its founder, Dr Kurt Hahn: that young people flourish when their horizons are broadened alongside their academics. Therefore, the school cultivates valuable traits beyond the classroom. This approach ensures students are prepared not just for exams but for life, fostering a lifelong love of learning through exploration. At Gordonstoun, you will not find children sitting in classrooms all day. Instead, you will see them walking to the coast to learn about weather patterns and navigation or spending afternoons in the woodland campus understanding nature’s cycles and practising teamwork.
Senior School
Year 9 is designed to provide students with a strong academic foundation and the opportunity to explore a wide range of subjects. Each student is assessed to ensure we tailor an academic programme that challenges, develops, and nurtures their individual needs, fostering responsibility, integrity, and resilience in their learning.
In Years 10 and 11, students study for GCSEs, typically taking nine subjects chosen from a list that includes:
Mathematics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, English Language, English Literature, French, Spanish, German, Latin, Greek, Art, Photography, Computing, Design, Drama, Dance, Geography, History, Music, Physical Education, and Business.
The One-year GCSE Programme
Gordonstoun also offers an intensive one-year GCSE programme for students aged 15 or 16 who are not from the English academic system but have a good level of English. This programme enables them to complete their GCSEs in one year (Year 11) instead of the usual two.
Sixth Form
Sixth Form students at Gordonstoun follow the British examination system, choosing to study either A-Levels or BTECs. Most students select three A-Level subjects, while those seeking an additional challenge may take an Extended Project Qualification (EPQ) or a fourth A-Level subject.
A-Level courses are offered in: Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Photography, Theatre Studies, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Mathematics, Media Studies, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Music, Physics, and Sociology.
BTEC courses include: Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Psychology, Sport, and Uniformed Protective Services.
Our dedicated Higher Education team provides personalised university and careers guidance. Throughout Sixth Form, students receive one-to-one support, attend university lectures, open days, and career fairs to explore diverse pathways after school. The team supports students whether they choose university, apprenticeships, HND/C courses, the armed forces, a gap year, or direct entry into the world of work.
Gordonstoun School - Co-Curricular Activities
For over 90 years, Gordonstoun has believed that young people flourish when their horizons are broadened alongside academics. This is why all Senior School students participate in outdoor education, sail training, sports, performing arts, and one of nine community and rescue services. These experiences develop their understanding of the wider world, instill a can-do attitude, and equip them with essential life skills.
The nine services include:
The only school in the UK with its own fire service.
Students provide first aid at school events and work alongside the British Red Cross at local events and galas.
The oldest service, training with the Aberdeen Coastguard. It is the only Coastguard Cadet force in the UK to attend real call-outs. King Charles III is a former member.
Members work to improve the local environment, keep bees, conduct wildlife surveys, and maintain conservation areas.
Provides tech support for chapel services, presentations, drama productions, and community events.
Works with local groups in the Elgin area, including care homes, youth groups, and primary schools.
Members learn to lead activities like canoeing, climbing, and hillwalking while helping to maintain the environment.
Undergo professional training to provide cover at school and community events. Qualifications are recognised worldwide.
Offers coaching for local primary schools in partnership with Active Schools and Moray Council.
Gordonstoun School - Boarding Life
Gordonstoun has eight boarding houses on campus, each supported by a dedicated pastoral care team. A school matron is also available 24/7 to attend to the students’ wellbeing. The staff are committed to nurturing, encouraging, guiding, and supporting students both academically and personally.
The boarding houses are equipped with common rooms, games rooms, kitchens, and wireless internet facilities. Boarding students, aged 8 to 18, come from a wide range of countries, cultures, and backgrounds. Living together in this close-knit international community encourages compassion, understanding, and grace, teaching students to be patient with younger pupils and respectful of older ones.
Gordonstoun School - Pastoral Care & Learning Support
Gordonstoun’s award-winning Learning Support team often begins working with students before they even arrive, identifying potential barriers to learning and implementing strategies to overcome them.
The team collaborates with parents to create a dynamic ‘Learner Profile’. This document, written in the student’s voice, details their strengths, potential challenges, and effective support strategies. It is shared with all relevant staff to ensure a consistent and supportive approach across the school. Students can also access the Learning Support department on an ad-hoc basis for personalised guidance or simply to relax in its comfortable and inviting classrooms.
Gordonstoun School - Contact Information
- Official website: https://www.gordonstoun.org.uk/
- Location: Gordonstoun, Elgin, Moray, IV30 5RF
- Email address: principalpa@gordonstoun.org.uk
- Phone: +44 (0) 1343 837837
