Founded in 1860, it has a pleasant, semi-rural, 10-acre site on the lower slopes of the Knock in Crieff. Regular development over the years has produced a fine and well-equipped campus. Originally separate boys' and girls' schools, these merged in 1979 to form a single co-educational school. The primary school is an integral part of the Academy, the nursery a short walk away. It has a real Scottish flavour, with a Burns Supper, Scots song competitions and an active pipe band. A thorough, traditional Scottish education is provided and academic results are very good. Very strong in music, with regular public performances, and flourishing drama groups. A wide range of sports and games offered and high standards are achieved. Many clubs and societies cater for most conceivable needs and interests. There is a vigorous CCF and Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme, and ample opportunity for outdoor pursuits for which the environment is very suitable.
Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 533 pupils (282 boys, 251 girls). Junior department 3-11, 196 pupils (102 boys, 94 girls). Senior department 11-18, 337 pupils (180 boys, 157 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3, 5, 11, 16. Own entrance exam and interview. For sixth-form entry, 5 GCSEs at least grade B or S-grade 1-4. No special skills or religious requirements. State school entry, 30% main senior intake plus 10% to sixth form.
Up to 6 small academic sixth-form scholarships. Means-tested help with tuition fees for those not otherwise able to attend the school; 2 pa full bursaries for talented local pupils. Some discounts (for advance payments, siblings). Parents not expected to buy textbooks, stationery etc.
Rector and Principal: Simon Pengelley, appointed 2004. Educated at Repton and Bristol University (history). Previously Deputy Head at Rossall, Head of History at Strathallan and Assistant Master at Abingdon School. Teaching staff: 54 full time, 2 part time. Annual turnover 2%. Average age 42.
S-grade: 65 pupils in S4: 55% gained at least grade C in 8+ subjects, 31% in 5-7 subjects at Intermediate II. Highers: 52 in S5: 50% passed in 5 subjects; 23% in 4; 13% in 3 subjects. Advanced highers: 47 in S6; 29 took Advanced Highers, 28% passed in 3 subjects; 31% in 2; and 38% in 1 subject. 33 pupils also took NQ Highers.
97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year). 37% take courses in science, engineering and medicine, 24% in humanities and social sciences, 12% in art and design, 27% in vocational subjects eg business, physiotherapy. Others typically go on to the services, commerce or banking.
S-grade/Intermediate II, Highers, Advanced Highers. 20 subjects offered. 38% take Advanced Highers in science; 49% arts/humanities; 17% both. Vocational: Work experience available; also ECDL may be taken. Languages: French, German and Spanish offered at Intermediate II, Higher and Advanced Higher (2 language are compulsory up to age 14). ICT: Taught both as a discrete subject and across the curriculum. Many pupils take ECDL. 100 computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.
Music: Over 50% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 14 musical groups including choirs, orchestra, wind band, brass group, recorder ensembles, jazz, swing band, percussion and pipe band; 2 full concerts annually. Drama: Up to 3 drama productions annually. Art and design: On average, 25 take Intermediate II, 15 Higher. 2-3 pupils go on to art college each year.
Sport: Rugby, cricket compulsory for boys; hockey, tennis for girls. Optional: cross-country, curling, golf, badminton, swimming, softball, athletics, netball, basketball, hockey (boys), tennis (boys). Regular rugby and hockey representation at district level, occasionally national. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF and community service optional. Some 35 clubs, eg basketball, football, karate, climbing, orienteering, sailing, chess, debating, table tennis, Young Enterprise, music, John Muir Award (environmental programme).
Uniform: School uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, head of house and house prefects. Religion: Non-denominational. Morning assembly. Social: Ceilidhs. Organised trips and exchange systems with schools abroad. Lunch self-service.
Pupils who fail to produce homework for the first time would expect a warning with further opportunity to provide work given. Pupils caught smoking cannabis on school premises would expect permanent exclusion.
is run by Mrs Nadine Leonard, Development Office and Alumni Relations (nleonard@morrisonsacademy.org)
Sir Andrew McCance (metallurgist); Group-Captain Wilfrid George Gerald Duncan-Smith (RAF); Dr Gavin Strang (MP); Air Vice-Marshal MacGregor and Air Vice-Marshal Rimmer; Sir Ross Belch (shipbuilder); Denis Lawson, Ewan McGregor (actors); Simon Taylor (rugby player); Emma Carrick-Anderson (international slalom skier); Fiona Pennie (international canoeist); Dr Barbara Rae (artist); Ian McCallum (car designer).
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