St Leonards School, St Andrews, Fife
Number of pupils 515
Age range 5-18
Boarding and day pupils, co-ed
Qualifications GCSE, IB
Situated within a medieval walled campus in the heart of St Andrews, St Leonards is a forward-thinking, co-educational boarding and day school, which offers an outstanding education from five to 18 years.
Thanks to an ambitious £3 million refurbishment programme, students live in modern, stylish comfort in a country house setting, where bedrooms have sea views beyond the playing fields.
Full, flexi and weekly boarding is available from the age of 11, while a bus service for day pupils runs from Cupar, Dundee, the East Neuk of Fife, Kirkcaldy, Leuchars train station, Glenrothes and Perth.
The recently redeveloped St Leonards Junior School is the first school in Scotland to be accredited to teach the inspiring International Baccalaureate (IB) Primary Years Programme, which encourages boys and girls to develop a love of learning.
Under the leadership of headmaster William Goldsmith, boys and girls at the Junior School enjoy a dynamic and refreshing way of learning both in and outside the classroom.
With the East Sands beach just a two-minute walk from the school grounds, outdoor activities play an important role in school life.
In the Sixth Form, all students follow the IB Diploma Programme, which has been praised by pupils, parents and university admissions officers for its focus on deepening learning, offering wider subject options, and enriching minds.
For the third year running, St Leonards has been ranked by the Sunday Times Schools Guide as the top independent school sixth form in Scotland for IB/A Level results.
In 2017, almost 82 per cent of students achieved the equivalent of A*/A/B at A Level, and 100 per cent of leavers who gained a place at university were offered their first or second choice.
St Andrews is home to the game of golf and the world-class three-tier golf programme at St Leonards caters for players at beginner, development and elite levels.
Students who enrol on the golf programme benefit from a personalised training plan, individual and group coaching, eligibility for a Links ticket allowing access to all St Andrews Links courses, and the use of high-level equipment including Trackman and the SAM Puttlab.
A varied programme of more than 35 weekly activities includes two young enterprise companies, the popular investment club, debating society, sports, choirs, orchestras and ensembles, while weekend trips and baking, craft and games nights in the houses ensure boarding students benefit from full wrap-around care in a friendly, “home from home” environment.
With an extensive sporting fixtures calendar, well-established links with St Andrews University and the neighbouring Byre Theatre students at St Leonards have countless opportunities to develop academic and co-curricular interests, wherever they may lie.
The motto at St Leonards is Ad Vitam, interpreted as “for life”, and this permeates every aspect of a St Leonards education – where learning and friendships are made for life.