High School of Dundee’s amazing place

At High School of Dundee the focus is on enabling every pupil to achieve their full potential. The goal is to identify the interests, talents and ambitions of each and every one of its pupils and to equip them with the tools and skills to achieve and exceed their goals.

Now more than ever young people need support to help them make sense of the uncertainty brought about by the pandemic, and the demands and pressures of a fast-changing world. As well as ensuring that the school develops creativity, resilience and confidence in its pupils, it prioritises listening to their concerns and feedback and responding to their needs.

The independent school offers an inspiring integrated education, from nursery all the way through to Form 6. The pass marks for the school speak for themselves...

In the National 5 exams, pupils achieved an average of 7.8 passes each, with 73% securing eight or more passes and 45% of the candidates gaining eight or more A grades.

Form 5 pupils achieved an average of 4.6 Highers each, with 74.5% of passes graded A. The Higher pass rate was 96.4%.

In Form 6 the Advanced Higher pass rate was 96.3%, with the pupils achieving an average of two passes each.

Although exam results are consistently great, the school prides itself on putting pupils’ needs first and making sure each of them is well-equipped to follow a career path they love.

Founded in 1239, the school has a very modern approach to learning and wants to enable and empower pupils by creating an environment that sparks curiosity and encourages bright ideas.

In the primary years, teachers focus on developing core skills like English and Maths, which are so crucial to every young person’s learning.

But the focus is also on making learning fun, engaging and wide-ranging. Children also receive teaching from the secondary school subject teachers in Science, Modern Languages, Computing, Art, Music, Drama, PE and Health and Food Technology. This provides a real head-start.

Choice is paramount. In S3, pupils continue to be able to choose eight subjects, not five or six, while in S5 they can select from 25 subjects at Higher level. At Advanced Higher 23 subjects are available. But the S6 curriculum is also designed to provide an enriching array of experiences that enable pupils to develop the life skills they’ll need as they step out into the world.

Traditional academic courses may be the passion for some, but for others emerging areas of study or exciting new fields of work may be the goal. The school is committed to nurturing and supporting every one of its pupils to realise their potential and follow their dreams.

And, with a huge number of co-curricular activities on offer at the school, the opportunity to discover new talents and interests extends far beyond the classroom.

Means-tested financial assistance is available in the Senior School and in P6 and P7 of the Junior School. Early Years funding towards places at the purpose-built nursery at Mayfield is also available.

The High School of Dundee accepts new entries in Nursery, Junior and Senior Years throughout the year.

* This month and next, the school invites prospective pupils and parents to find out more about the school by booking a tour and/or taster day. This will allow you and your child to see the school environment for yourself, walk around the classrooms and speak to other pupils and members of staff. Contact admissions@ highschoolofdundee.org.uk to book a tour or taster. It’s your invitation to find out what makes the school such an amazing place.