Compare International Schools in Elgin, United Kingdom

Gordonstoun

Instructs in English

Ages 4 - 18 years

Fees £17,220 - 69,000

Pupils 580

Type Co-educational, Co-educational (boarding)

Gordonstoun is a co-educational, full-boarding school in Moray, Scotland, offering the British Curriculum from age 4 to 18. Prep follows the English National Curriculum with English, Maths, Science, Latin, Art and Music, taught in small classes with a Learning and Support Department and EAL available 1:1. Senior School students take GCSEs, BTECs and A-Levels, with a One Year GCSE Programme for Year 11 entrants who are proficient in English. The school supports progression to top universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. The curriculum has an international dimension through International and Spiritual Citizenship classes, study abroad experiences and Round Square involvement; Gordonstoun hosts students from over 40 nationalities. The 200-acre campus on the Moray Coast houses low-carbon classrooms, a dedicated performing arts theatre, a 200-seat theatre and a swimming pool, plus sports facilities including a climbing wall, golf course and rifle range. Extra-curriculars include performing arts and community service, with language exchanges.

Location

Gordonstoun is located in Moray, Scotland, on a 200-acre woodland campus near Elgin. The campus sits in the Moray countryside, just moments from the sea and hills. It has excellent international transport links and is 31 miles from Inverness and 65 miles from Aberdeen airport, with train access to Elgin.

Stages

Prep School (ages 4½–12), Senior School (ages 13–18), Sixth Form (ages 16–18)

Type

Co-educational; full boarding school with day pupils

Pupil Nationality Mix

One third of pupils are Scottish, one third come from the rest of the UK, and one third travel here from overseas; pupils represent over 40 nationalities.

Additional learning support

The school has a Learning Support Department and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department to support pupils with additional learning needs and to assist non-native English speakers.

Country affiliation

Scotland (United Kingdom)

Religious affiliation

Christianity provides the basis of the school's spiritual ethos; the school welcomes pupils of all faiths and none

School day structure

A typical Prep day includes breakfast 07:30–08:10; day pupil arrival 08:00–08:10; assembly 08:20–08:40; six lessons with breaks (08:45–10:50 and 11:15–12:15; 13:20–15:25); lunch 12:20–13:20; afternoon activities or games; Hahn Time 16:30–17:30; supper 17:30–18:30; prep 18:45–19:30. Weekdays include a full timetable with a mix of lessons, meals, and supervised prep; weekends feature activities and social events alongside Chapel and communal time.

Bus service

School transport is provided via two routes to Aberlour or Forres for day pupils, with a small charge per journey (£6.75). The transport is staffed by the school and travel arrangements are managed as part of the school's services.

Application fees
- No separate non‑refundable application fee is published. The school confirms that, if an application is successful, a deposit will be requested to secure a place.

Tuition fees (per term) — 2026/27 academic year
- Prep School (per term):
- Day (Reception–Year 2): GBP 5,740.
- Day (Year 3–6): GBP 7,795.
- Day (Year 7–8): GBP 8,565.
- Weekly boarding (4–5 nights per week): GBP 13,010.
- Full boarding (6–7 nights per week): GBP 14,645.

- Senior School (per term):
- Day (Third Form to Upper Sixth): GBP 14,790.
- Boarding (Third Form to Upper Sixth): GBP 21,365.
- Day (Direct entry into Year 12/13): GBP 16,365.
- Boarding (Direct entry into Year 12/13): GBP 23,000.

Billing schedule and payment terms
- Fees are invoiced on a termly basis. A termly invoice is issued prior to the start of each term and fees are due for payment on the first day of term. UK parents are asked to pay by direct debit; overseas parents are asked to pay by bank transfer. Interest is charged on late payments. Contracts may only be terminated by giving a full term's written notice to the Principal or by paying a term's fees in lieu of notice.

Boarding fees and boarding-related charges
- Boarding tuition (per term) is included above under Senior and Prep headings (Senior boarding and Prep weekly/full boarding rates). Additional boarding‑related charges that may be billed termly or per event include the Medical Officers of Schools Association (MOSA) registration charge levied per boarder per term and other house/overnight charges as shown below.

Other costs and chargeable extras
- Music lessons: current published charges include annual rates for individual and hourly lessons (examples given in the School's financial notes); chargeable music tuition and lesson programmes are billed separately.
- Guardianship (where required) is charged per term and/or per night for short‑stay guardianship arrangements.
- Transport: contributions for school transport are charged per journey and added to the school bill termly in arrears. Travel bookings made through the school carry an administration surcharge.
- Occasional/overnight boarding, leave‑out weekends, rustication and other ad hoc house charges are billed at published daily/nightly rates. Examples: occasional overnight boarding and leave‑out weekend charges and nightly rustication rates are published in the Prep and Senior fee guides.
- Textbooks and core classroom resources are covered by the tuition fee; replacement or lost/damaged items are charged to parents. External examination fees (GCSE/A‑Level/IB) are billed separately when applicable.
- Uniform: the school's official supplier is Schoolblazer. The total cost of a complete new uniform is published as typically in the range of GBP 750–GBP 900 (new full kit), with individual items listed in published uniform lists. Replacement or hired uniform options are available for short‑stay students and costs may be added to the school bill where the school purchases items on a pupil's behalf.

Refunds and notice
- There is no remission or rebate of fees for absence; full fees are payable at all times. Contracts can only be terminated by giving a full term's written notice to the Principal or by paying a term's fees in lieu of notice. Late payment attracts interest. These conditions form part of the school's published Fees and Financial Matters.

Fee payment options and plans
- Preferred/payment methods: the school requests UK parents pay by direct debit and overseas parents by bank transfer; full payment instructions are supplied with each invoice. The school is an appointed representative of Premium Credit Limited and offers access to the School Fee Plan (monthly spread of payments through Premium Credit) as an option for families. Bank transfer instructions, direct‑debit setup and invoicing details are provided with each invoice. Interest or charges may apply for late or failed payments.

Practical notes for billing
- Fees are shown and charged per term; the school operates three terms per year. Additional single‑item charges (travel admin, guardianship, music tuition, medications/medical practice fees, lost/damaged property, trips and external exams) will be invoiced as extras at the appropriate time. Parents receive an itemised termly invoice prior to each term's start with the methods and deadlines for that term's payment.

Boarding Arrangements

Boarding is available seven days a week for Prep and Senior pupils. Prep Boarding serves pupils aged 8-13 and offers Full Boarding, Weekly Boarding, and Flexi Boarding options; the Prep boarding house is run by a House Parent with an Assistant House Parent and live-in Matron. In the Senior School there are seven boarding houses, each led by a House Parent or Assistant House Parent, with Wellbeing Watchers providing additional support. The days are structured around a seven day programme with weekend activities on site.

Uniform Requirement

Uniforms can be purchased from Schoolblazer. The day uniform is a light blue jumper, a white chequered shirt, and dark grey trousers or a dark grey skirt. The formal uniform consists of a suit for boys, usually with a house tie, and a blouse with a calf-length kilt for girls, with an optional dark green jumper and blazer.

Food Options

Gordonstoun offers a wide range of meals with vegetarian options and alternatives for medical or religious dietary requirements. The refectory serves over 1,400 meals daily, with the catering team guided by the Refectory Committee and sourcing from local suppliers where possible. International dishes feature, including during International Week when dishes from various countries are showcased.

House System

There are seven boarding houses in the Senior School, each with its own character and led by experienced House Parents or Assistant House Parents. The Prep School boarding house is run by a House Parent with an Assistant House Parent and live-in staff. Windmill Lodge is one of the Senior School houses, illustrating the house-based community structure.

Governance and Ownership

Gordonstoun is Gordonstoun Schools Limited, registered in Scotland as a charity with charity number SC037867 and registered in England as company No 288105. Governance is provided by a board of governors; the Chair of Governors announced the appointment of the next Principal in 2023, illustrating active leadership by the governors.

Curriculum

The Academic Curriculum in Prep follows the English National Curriculum, teaching English, Mathematics, Science, Latin, Art and Music. Class sizes are small, with a dedicated Learning and Support Department and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) program offering 1:1 help. In Senior School, students study for GCSEs, BTECs and A-Levels, progressing to top global universities including Oxford and Cambridge. The One Year GCSE Programme is available for Year 11 students who are not in the English academic system but have a good level of English. Years 12-13 follow the English examination system, offering BTECs and A-Levels, with a wide range of subjects including languages, and EAL support as needed. The curriculum has a strong international dimension through International and Spiritual Citizenship classes, study abroad experiences and Round Square involvement, with Gordonstoun hosting students from over 40 nationalities.

Student Teacher Ratio

Class sizes are small. An English as an Additional Language (EAL) program provides language support and there is 1:1 help available.

Exam Results

GCSEs, BTECs and A-Levels are studied at Gordonstoun. Students progress to top global universities, including Oxford and Cambridge. A Careers Programme supports competitive pathways, with dedicated sessions for Oxbridge, Medicine and US universities. Around 3% of leavers progress to Oxbridge.

Higher Education Progression

Most Gordonstoun students go on to Oxbridge and Russell Group universities. There is a dedicated Careers Programme for Year 12 with targeted sessions for Oxbridge, Medicine and US universities. Some leavers also pursue international university destinations.

Gifted and Talented

There is a Scholarship and Enrichment co-ordinator to organise enrichment opportunities. A broad range of activities and electives, including sport, performing arts and sail training, runs across the full 7 days of boarding. The Careers Programme supports Year 12 with guidance toward competitive pathways, including Oxbridge.

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)

The school places wellbeing and pastoral care at the heart of school life. Boarding Houses oversee wellbeing, safeguarding, daily routines and behaviour, building a supportive community. A Learning Support Department provides personalised assistance, and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department supports pupils who are learning English. Gordonstoun has a Gold Star Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for staff and students, reflecting a high-quality mental health provision. Personal development and wellbeing are central to life at Gordonstoun, with guidance aligned to GIRFEC and the Named Person service.

Special Educational Needs (SEN)

The school has a Learning Support Department and an English as an Additional Language (EAL) Department to meet diverse learning needs. 1:1 help is available when needed.

English as an Additional Language (EAL)

English as an Additional Language Department helps pupils who do not speak English as their first language develop their written and spoken language skills. The MFL department can provide support for students as needed.

Mental Wellbeing

Gold Star Award for Mental Health and Wellbeing Support for Staff and Students recognizes Gordonstoun's excellence in mental health provision for the school community.

Safeguarding

The Wellbeing and Child Protection Policy and Procedures sets out the rights of children to have their wellbeing promoted; staff responsibilities; the role of Gordonstoun under the Children and Young People (Scotland) Act 2014; guidance on recognizing child abuse; actions to take if abuse is suspected; and the Named Person service.

History

Gordonstoun was founded in 1934 by German educationalist Dr Kurt Hahn. Hahn leased and bought the Gordonstoun estate, a property with a history dating back to the 13th century. Prince Philip of Greece joined in 1934 at the age of 13 and studied at the school for five years. The Moray Badge began as a local programme and, in 1956, Prince Philip gave his name to what became the Duke of Edinburgh's Award. In 1972 Gordonstoun became fully co-educational. In 1976 the Gordonstoun International Summer School was established. Today Gordonstoun has more than 550 students in the prep and senior schools. Edinburgh University research shows long-term benefits of the broad curriculum, and inspectors described Gordonstoun as outstanding and sector-leading in 2019.

Community

Gordonstoun families are part of a global community that shares Kurt Hahn's educational vision. Families are welcome at parent seminars, dinners, concerts, performances or the Summer Open Day, with pre-arranged visits available. The Prep or Senior School Parent Handbook is available via the parent portal. Diversity is a cornerstone of the school, guided by Kurt Hahn's Seventh Law of Salem, with more than a third of students receiving fee assistance and around 35% identifying as neurodiverse, while military and FCDO families are supported through services such as the Fire Service, Coastguards, Conservation and Community Service.

Facilities Overview

The Gordonstoun campus spans 200 acres of woodland on the Moray Coast. On‑campus facilities include sector leading low carbon classrooms, a state‑of‑the‑art Sports Centre, a dedicated performing arts theatre, a full‑sized swimming pool and a Fire Service Station. Off‑campus facilities include the school's 80‑foot sail training vessel, a Coastguard Watch Tower and a sail training facility. The on‑site facilities also encompass a large indoor sports hall, squash courts, a climbing wall, grass and astro pitches, a 9‑hole golf course and an on‑site indoor theatre and dance studio.

Sports Facilities

Gordonstoun offers extensive sports facilities on campus, including a large indoor sports hall, a climbing wall, a yoga studio, grass and astro pitches, squash courts, a tennis court and a swimming pool (group booking). The sports centre is on site and supports a broad programme of traditional and adventurous activities. There is a 9‑hole golf course on campus, and rifle range on campus for marksmanship training.

Academic Facilities

On‑campus facilities include sector leading low carbon classrooms and a dedicated performing arts theatre. Prep School confirms science labs and design workshops are available as part of the Senior School facilities. The Ogstoun Theatre and a 200‑seat indoor theatre provide dedicated spaces for performing arts. The Gordonstoun House Estate, including North Room, South Room and the Ogstoun Theatre, houses additional performance and learning spaces. The campus supports a broad curriculum with subject specialists across disciplines.

Extra Curricular Facilities

The co‑curriculum offers a wide range of activities beyond the classroom. An enormous range of sports are on offer, taking advantage of state‑of‑the‑art sporting facilities. The Senior School production is a highlight of the performing arts calendar, and students participate in many arts events. Uniformed community and rescue services, including the Fire Service and HM Coastguards, are part of the program. Additional activities include Archaeology, Art & Design, Cooking and Robotics, with further options such as Archery, Climbing, Fencing, Golf, Kayaking, Mountaineering, Orienteering, Powerboat Training, Riding, Sailing, Sports Fixtures, Table Tennis, Target Shooting, Yoga & Pilates and more.

Academic & Intellectual

Gordonstoun offers GCSEs, BTECs and A-Levels. Year 12 and 13 follow the English examination system, with A-Levels and BTECs available across a wide range of subjects, including Art, Biology, Business, Chemistry, Computer Science, Design, Photography, Economics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, History, Maths, German, French, Spanish, Latin, Greek, Music, Physics and Sociology; BTEC courses include Enterprise and Entrepreneurship, Medical Science, Performing Arts, Psychology and Sport. The One Year GCSE Programme is available for eligible students, and enrichment activities such as debating, robotics, dialogue and current affairs societies extend learning beyond the curriculum. English as an Additional Language support is provided, and learning progress is monitored through tutor meetings, clinics and a broad programme of trips, events and competitions.

Arts & Creative

The campus houses a dedicated performing arts theatre and a dance studio, with the Ogstoun Theatre and Ogstoun Studios serving as hubs for dance and drama and a 200‑seat auditorium. Music practice rooms and an on‑site art provision support creative work, and GCSE subjects include Art, Drama, Dance and Music. The Senior Curriculum also covers Art, Drama, Photography, Music and Design at higher levels, providing a range of arts pathways.

Cultural & Language

Languages taught include French, Spanish, German, Latin and Greek, with English as an Additional Language support for non‑native speakers. Gordonstoun participates in international exchanges as part of its global outlook, including historical exchanges such as Timbertop in Australia. The school is connected to the Round Square network, which supports international programmes and global citizenship opportunities.

Social & Hobbies

The co‑curricular programme includes debating, robotics, dialogue and current affairs societies, alongside a wide range of trips and events that broaden learning beyond the classroom. Extracurricular activities extend to performance, sport and outdoor pursuits, with opportunities such as Model United Nations and other student‑led initiatives on offer.

Community & Service

Every senior student joins one of eight community and rescue services, such as Fire Service, Community Action, Pool Lifeguards, Sports Service and Outdoor Leadership, contributing to local and global communities. Students engage in rescue services, charity partnerships and service projects, with activities that involve coastguard and emergency response training and community outreach.

Leadership & Professional

International Exchange opportunities allow students to study abroad, and there is a dedicated Scholarship and Enrichment coordinator who organises national academic competitions and enrichment activities. A seamanship and sailing programme is included as part of the experiential leadership curriculum, developing teamwork and leadership skills.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing

Outdoor Education is a core part of the Gordonstoun experience, with activities ranging from rock climbing and mountain adventures to river expeditions and shelter building. The school maintains a comprehensive sports programme and modern facilities, including an indoor sports centre, climbing wall, pool, rugby/football/hockey pitches, a golf course and an on‑site theatre, all supporting physical and mental wellbeing.

Admissions

1) Entry paths and ages. Gordonstoun offers Prep School for ages 4–13, Senior School for ages 13–16, Sixth Form for ages 16–18, and Boarding for ages 8–18; a Gordonstoun Summer School is also run. 2) Getting to know Gordonstoun. Families can engage with the school by visiting the campus, arranging a Call/Zoom Meeting, joining an Online Webinar, or attending a Taster or Scholarship Day to learn about Gordonstoun's approach. 3) Registration. When ready to apply, complete the registration form to begin the process. 4) Assessment. As part of the application, the child will be invited for an interview. A current school report and referee, plus a copy of the child's passport, are required; additional academic assessments may be required in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, and English for non-native speakers. 5) Outcomes. The final step is a review by the Principal's Office. If the application is successful, a deposit and a signed contract are requested to secure a place. 6) Next steps. It is easy to engage with Gordonstoun by visiting, arranging a Call/Zoom Meeting, joining an Online Webinar, or attending a Taster/Scholarship Day.

Scholarships

Scholarships are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional ability, potential and drive to contribute to Gordonstoun and the wider community. Scholarships are honorary and do not automatically include fee reductions. They may include benefits such as free one-to-one music lessons for Music Scholars, personalised coaching or mentoring, and access to leadership events and bespoke development opportunities. Scholars receive priority consideration for means-tested bursaries. Scholarships are available for entry into Year 7 or Year 8 (Prep School) and Year 9 or Year 12 (Senior School). Assessments take place in the academic year before entry and must be attended in person at Gordonstoun. Scholarships cover a range of categories including Academic, Adventure, Art, Dance & Drama, Music and Sport. The duration of scholarships typically extends through to Year 13 for Year 7/8 scholars (with reviews at Years 9 and 12), through Year 13 for Year 9 scholars (with a review at the start of Year 12), and for Years 12 and 13 for Year 12 scholars. Bursaries are means-tested and can cover up to 100% of fees, with most grants between 10% and 25%; families with Armed Forces or FCDO connections receive a 10% remission on net fees. Over 40% of Gordonstoun students are supported through the Scholarship and Bursary Fund, enabling access to life-changing opportunities. Upcoming scholarship events in 2026 include: Year 9 Scholarship & Taster Weekend (August 28–30, 2026) for entry in September 2027; Prep School Scholarship & Taster Days (October 2–3, 2026) for entry in September 2027; and Year 12 Scholarship Weekend (November 26–28, 2026) for entry in September 2027.

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