Dollar Academy
As Dollar prepares to launch its Bicentenary year in June 2018, it remains one of Scotland’s best performing independent schools. Thanks to outstanding exam results and an inspiring ethos aimed at bringing out the best in every pupil, the school is highly regarded by parents - boarding and day places are both in high demand.
Dollar was recently named The Sunday Times Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year, having moved up the academic league tables* to third in Scotland. Pupils study the Scottish curriculum and benefit from the widest choice of Highers anywhere in the country. In 2017, pupils set a new school record with a 98% pass rate at Higher level and 55 pupils, almost a third of the year group, achieved five or more A-grades. Results at National 5 level were just as excellent, with an A-grade pass rate of 72.5%. The list of leavers’ destinations is hugely impressive.
The Rector, David Knapman, emphasises the importance of a learning environment where children feel they can thrive. ‘We all know that a happy child learns more quickly than an unhappy one, so a strong sense of community is vital, along with a positive and supportive approach. High quality teaching is essential in any school, but it’s a really healthy thing to have a passion for an activity outside the classroom too. Working in teams is of real benefit in that regard – you are helping yourself when you learn to help others.’
There are over 70 co-curricular activities on offer, encompassing sport and the arts, to enterprise and academic clubs, volunteering, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award. Debating and CCF are very different pursuits, but both are popular. Many activities are pursued to a high level – Dollar has produced national and international performers in many areas, particularly sport, music and art. Rugby and hockey teams regularly reach national finals, the Pipe Band are World Champions, and the shooting team have been Scottish champions for the past 20 years. Notable recent former pupils include Scotland rugby captain John Barclay, Olympian Jennifer McIntosh, artist Rachel Maclean, Young Trad Musician of the Year Charlie Stewart, and fourtime Scottish Young Jazz Musician of the Year Fergus McCreadie. Dollar is focused on participation as much as excellence, however, with teams at all levels, several bands and choirs, and a host of other options. The aim is to provide something for everyone.
Boarding has always been a key feature of life at Dollar and the Care Inspectorate has described the school as having a ‘sector-leading’ standard of care for its boarders. The focus is very much on creating a home-from-home environment with small family-style boarding houses located on Dollar’s stunning campus at the foot of The Ochils. Tutors help with homework and excellent facilities are available for pupils to use in the evenings and at weekends. Boarding events include book clubs, karaoke evenings, ceilidhs, panto trips, go-karting, fishing, mountain-biking and cookery to name but a few. One great advantage of boarding at Dollar is that there are several hundred day pupils living locally so boarders have a wide circle of friends, both in and out of the boarding house.
Continuous investment ensures that the teaching and recreational facilities on the 70-acre campus are of a high standard. The classic Playfair Building overlooks newer developments, which include the award-winning Westwater Building, custom-built to house the modern languages and economics departments. The boarding houses offer exceptional accommodation following multi-million pound refurbishments. And there can be no doubt that this is one of the most beautiful sites in Scotland. *The Sunday Times Schools Guide 2018
‘When I arrived, the friendly atmosphere was overwhelming and I knew instantly that I had made the right choice’ Boarder