St Margaret’s School for Girls, Aberdeen
Number of pupils 377 Age range 3-18 Day pupils, girls Qualifications Higher, Advanced Higher
St Margaret’s School for Girls is the only school in the north of Scotland catering exclusively for girls.
Offering a well-rounded, first-class education for girls up to the age of 18, St Margaret’s is large enough to offer flexibility and choice in terms of the curriculum and extra-curricular activities, but small enough to ensure that each girl is well known within a friendly and family atmosphere.
Founded in 1846, St Margaret’s is the oldest all-through girls’ school in Scotland. The school believes that a single-sex education offers girls the space in which their intellectual and physical identity can blossom, a space which is free from stereotype, full of challenge and rich with opportunity and care.
It is in this sort of environment that girls can develop the self-esteem and confidence which will enable them to fulfil their potential and make a positive impact on the world.
Girls’ schools build confidence, assertiveness and the ability to shape and voice girls’ own opinions.
Research proves that girls learn best when they can feel confident, competent and happy.
Teachers at St Margaret’s focus on this and are continually refining and developing what they provide to meet both the changing needs of pupils and the demanding world of the 21st century.
In the past two years, for example, the school has seen significant investment in facilities in the form of a state-of-the-art science block and new studios for both art and drama.
At St Margaret’s, each girl is provided with a sound academic education, essential for entry to higher and further education and to industry, business and the professions.
The school has two very highly regarded universities on its doorstep – Aberdeen and Robert Gordon – and it has an excellent relationship with each.
The school is currently working in partnership with Aberdeen University on promoting engineering to girls and with the Aberdeen Business School at Robert Gordon University on encouraging young women to aspire to the highest levels in business.
St Margaret’s pupils are socially aware and are prepared to cope with the challenges of the competitive world beyond school.
They are taught to value themselves as individuals and to show respect and consideration when working with others; to develop a sense of fun and a sense of responsibility; to have a positive attitude and to be flexible and adaptable.
Much of this is achieved through the provision of a rich variety of extra-curricular opportunities in music, sport, debating, drama, dance, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and the many other activities on offer. While these are enjoyable in themselves, they also help girls to develop essential skills and personal qualities.