‘Sector-leading’ standards at Dollar

As Dollar Academy 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.

Dollar was recently named The Sunday Times’ Scottish Independent Secondary School of the Year, having moved up the academic league tables in the newspaper’s schools guide to become third best in Scotland.

Pupils study the Scottish curriculum and benefit from the widest choice of Higher subjects 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 outstanding, with an A-grade pass rate of 72.5%. The list of leavers’ destinations is hugely impressive.

There are more than 70 co-curricular activities, ranging from sport and the arts to academic clubs, volunteering, the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award, Combined Cadet Force and world championshipwinning pipe band.

Rector David Knapman says: “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.”

Expert sports coaching has seen many pupils go on to compete at international level, particularly in hockey, rugby, athletics and shooting, but provision is such that children of all abilities can find something they enjoy.

Boarding is a key feature of life at Dollar and the Care Inspectorate has described the school as having a “sectorleading” standard of care for its boarders.

The focus is on creating a home-fromhome environment with small familystyle boarding houses.

Tutors help with homework and boarders enjoy excellent facilities and a wide choice of activities in the evenings and at weekends.

And with several hundred day pupils living locally, they 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 and the boarding houses offer exceptional accommodation following multi-million pound refurbishments.

Dollar provides a stimulating and friendly environment for learning.

The rich curriculum offers flexibility and choice, and the support from teachers and form tutors is second to none.

It is in a uniquely stunning location and the strong sense of community amongst pupils is one of the great strengths of the school.

Dollar Academy provides its boarders with a strong sense of community.