As educational institutions take on the responsibility of nurturing young minds, they contribute significantly to the development of individuals who not only excel academically but also embody the principles of compassion, responsibility, and social awareness.
Glenalmond College, with its foundation dating back to 1847, does this by creating an environment that goes beyond academic achievements. It holds a firm purpose of contributing to the betterment of the world. Aligned with Ralph Waldo Emerson’s definition of success, the institution strives to instill values such as service, leadership, kindness, and integrity in its education system. The central focus remains on aiding pupils in discovering their personal values and shaping the individuals they aspire to become.
Glenalmond’s mission has always been centered on nurturing fine human beings and responsible citizens—individuals who are confident, well-equipped, and prepared to lead healthy, fulfilling lives with a positive impact on both people and places. The goal is to nurture pupils into responsible and effective activists, leaving the institution with a strong sense of purpose.
This educational philosophy is upheld by maintaining high standards, prioritizing relationships, and living by the core values of the institution. The community at Glenalmond emphasizes mutual support, active participation, and a commitment to doing one’s best. As a predominantly boarding school, the proximity of staff living on-site further reinforces these behaviors and values.
Developing Lifelong Memories
The Glenalmond Spirit places a significant emphasis on challenging yet enjoyable experiences that contribute to the development of lifelong memories and emotional intelligence. The Institute believes that these experiences, along with academic qualifications, are crucial to a happy and successful life.
Glenalmond sets high expectations and encourages pupils to fulfill their potential, promoting a creative and curious approach to learning. The institution aims to prepare students for a complex and rapidly changing world, fostering independent thinking, boldness, ambition, and entrepreneurship.
While Glenalmond takes pride in its rich history and tradition, the Institute remains forward-facing, innovative, and ambitious for the future. Above all, the school values the concept that education should be an enjoyable and fulfilling experience for all.
Glenalmond College stands as a testament to 175 years of rich history and commitment to providing a distinctive educational experience. What sets this institution apart is not only its academic achievements but a host of unique features that contribute to its exceptional character.
Promoting Physical and Mental Well-being
Beyond the conventional academic realm, Glenalmond takes pride in its Outdoor Learning Programme, meticulously designed to promote both physical and mental well-being. The program not only emphasizes the importance of physical activity but also recognizes the crucial connection between a healthy body and a healthy mind.
The Learning for Life program at Glenalmond serves as a formal platform for teaching the importance of equality as a fundamental value. Students actively engage in discussions and champion differences within the College community, notably in Chapel, Houses, and various group settings.
In the Second and Third Forms, Glenalmond offers a broad curriculum that provides students with exposure to a variety of subjects across academic disciplines. Moving into the Fourth and Fifth Forms, pupils follow the IGCSE/GCSE curriculum, with compulsory subjects including Mathematics, English Language and Literature, Science, and a Modern Language. Students then have the flexibility to choose from an extensive list of subjects for their GCSE studies, encompassing disciplines such as History, Geography, Latin, Art, Music, Drama, Computer Science, Physical Education, and Technology.
The Sixth Form at Glenalmond predominantly focuses on A-Levels across various disciplines, although some students opt for Scottish Higher levels and B.Techs. The emphasis is not solely on acquiring qualifications but also on fostering an environment centered around enjoyment, excitement for challenges, and the confidence to respond.
Life Beyond Academic Realm
Life at Glenalmond extends beyond the academic realm, offering a wide range of sports and an impressive program of outdoor and adventure pursuits within its wonderful countryside setting. Pupils have the opportunity to partake in activities such as climbing Scotland’s renowned Munros and kayaking on lochs, all under expert tuition. International sporting tours and expeditions not only present physical and mental challenges but also provide cultural experiences.
The College encourages participation in the Combined Cadet Force, pipe bands, music, and drama productions, showcasing and nurturing students’ artistic talents. A notable annual tradition involves a group of Fifth Formers challenging themselves with a 100-mile walk back to Glenalmond from various starting points, raising considerable sums for charity in the process.
Sixth Form pupils are encouraged to plan for the future and consider their career aspirations throughout the two-year programme. All pupils at Glenalmond are registered with Unifrog, which provides them with outstanding career information, advice, and guidance. Unifrog brings all the available information into one platform and supports pupils to find the best next step for them.
In addition, Sixth Form pupils attend a weekly lecture where topics range from career advice, gap year options, charity work, and inspirational speakers. The overwhelming majority of its Sixth Form Leavers go on to further education, with the majority taking up places at Russell Group universities. Pupils are led through every stage of the UCAS process, and all applications are closely monitored by the Head of Sixth Form.
Empowering the Staff
Glenalmond is a department rather than faculty, and its Heads of Department are experts in their field, with several holding doctorates in education or in their subject area. All of its teaching staff are registered with the General Teaching Council for Scotland (GTCS).
Teaching staff are encouraged to follow areas of professional interest through CPD courses and experiences both internally and externally. Glenalmond has a Head of Staff Development on the Senior Leadership Team who supports teaching staff as well as leading the training of student teachers and those new to the profession. Glenalmond has a Middle Leadership Programme and a Senior Leadership Programme that encourages staff to sign up for and work through during their time at Glenalmond.
Thriving as Responsible Citizens
Dedicated pastoral teams work to create a close-knit family atmosphere in which pupils develop cohesive and supportive relationships. High-profile peer supporters, as well as College and House Prefects, all receive suitable training to promote resilience, fun, and achievement.
The Glenalmond Medical Centre is staffed 24/7 with its committed and skilled team of four qualified nurses, including a mental health nurse. It’s Learning for Life programme is taught by specialist staff to all year groups, covering study and life skills to prepare the pupils to thrive as individuals, as family members, and as responsible citizens in the modern world.
Glenalmond works to ensure that the pupils achieve their potential by supporting their mental health and wellbeing with highly trained staff and proactive pastoral care involving the latest approaches to build targeted support.
Tradition of Producing Outstanding Achievers
The school regularly engages parents via the following activities: Parents Association meets termly with representatives from each house and year group, termly reports are provided to parents by staff, online parents meetings occur annually, parents are invited to attend events regularly throughout the year to interact with staff and pupils, contact between house parents and staff is daily.
With a unique education that balances a broad and varied curriculum and a culture that allows pupils to explore their own potential and set their own ambitions, Glenalmond College has a tradition of producing outstanding achievers in all walks of life, from sporting stars to world record-breaking explorers. Glenalmond is proud that its alums have achieved extraordinary things with the support of such a warm, close-knit community.
