Founded in 1977 as a result of the amalgamation of Larchfield School for Boys (1845) and St Bride's School for Girls (1895). The school is in upper West Helensburgh, a dormitory town a few miles from Loch Lomond and 40 minutes from Glasgow. There is a new main building and boarding accommodation, plus the recent addition of astro-turf facilities and a state-of-the-art games hall. The nursery and primary departments are next door. The staff:pupil ratio is about 1:10. Academic standards are high and results very good. The music and drama departments are strong with a high standard of public performance in both. Sports and games are well catered for (a large number of representatives at county and national level). An unusually wide range and large number of extra-curricular activities is on offer. Good facilities for outdoor pursuits and adventure training for which the neighbouring environment is ideal. Some commitment to local community schemes and an outstanding record in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 570 pupils, 500 day (253 boys, 247 girls), 70 boarding (35 boys, 35 girls). Senior department 12-18, 350 pupils (175 boys, 175 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 5, 11, 12 and 16. Own entrance exam used; for sixth form entry, 5 GCSEs or S-grades (grade B in sixth form subjects). No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 20% main senior intake plus 50% to sixth form.
Academic scholarships awarded on entry at 12, 16 and 17. Also means-tested bursaries up to 100% of fees. Sibling discounts (3rd child). Parents not expected to buy textbooks.
60+% live within 30 miles; up to 10% live overseas.
Headmaster: Simon Mills, appointed 2009. Educated at Glenalmond and Cambridge University (geography). Previously Second Master of Portsmouth Grammar School, held posts at Blundell's and Stamford School. Teaching staff: 50 full time, 10 part time. Annual turnover less than 10%.
S-grades: 55 in S-grade year, 98% passing 5-7 subjects. Highers: 50 in Higher year, 60% passing 5+ subjects. A-levels: 45 in A-level year, 75% passing 3 subjects (many pupils take Highers instead). Average final point score achieved by upper sixth formers 485.
93% of sixth form leavers go on to a degree course (2% after a gap year), 5% to Oxbridge. 17% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 39% in science and engineering, 5% in law, 14% in humanities and social sciences, 3% in art and design, 21% in vocational subjects eg education, hotel and leisure management, occupational therapy. Others typically go on to HND courses or straight into work.
S-grades, Highers, A-levels. On average, 23% take science/engineering A-levels; 33% take arts and humanities; 45% both. Special provision: Specialised help where needed eg dyslexia. Wheelchair access. Languages: French and German offered to S-grade and A-level; also Spanish to Higher. Over 75% take S-grade in more than 1 language. Regular exchanges (France and Germany). French and German assistants in school. European pupils on bursaries every year. S5 pupils on work experience in Germany. Well-established European dimension and tradition. ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. 90 computers solely for pupil use (7 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access. Most pupils take SQA modules.
Music: 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Musical groups include orchestra, choirs, pop group, pipe band, big band, folk group. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions (5 a year). Art and design: On average, 25 take S-grade, 12 Higher, 2 A-level. 2-3 pa accepted for art college. School has an artist-in-residence.
Sport: Rugby, hockey, athletics, tennis, squash, golf, sailing, badminton, table tennis, football, swimming, cricket, netball available. 12 county representatives at rugby, hockey, athletics, tennis, squash, sailing. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; community service optional. Clubs include computer, Scottish country dancing, dog training, electronics, chess, first aid, art, debating, technology, piping, car maintenance, keep fit, judo, tukido, Young Enterprise, mock parliament, Amnesty International.
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy/girl, head of house and house prefects, sixth form apply for prefect posts of responsibility. Religion: Non-denominational. Social: Trips abroad include exchange visits to France and Germany. Pupils allowed to bring own bike to school. Meals self-service. School shop. No alcohol allowed.
Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect extra prep; those caught taking drugs on the premises would be expelled. There is a detention system.
80% share with one other (en suite facilities). Mixed-sex house (some ensuite rooms). Resident qualified nurse and doctor. Central dining room. Pupils can provide and cook own food. 2 exeats (2 days) each term. Flexi-boarding available. Visits to local town allowed.
Lomond School Association c/o Alister Minnis, Lomond School.
John Logie Baird (inventor of television), Gwyneth Guthrie (actress), Sir James George Frazer (anthropologist).
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