Address The Glasgow Academy, Colebrooke Street, Glasgow G12 8HE
Pupils 1254, sixth year 70
Enquiries the Director of Admissions
Description Founded in 1846, it is the oldest independent school in the West of Scotland. In 1991 it amalgamated with the Westbourne School for Girls (founded in 1877). The main school is on a single site in the west end of the city on a compact campus with handsome buildings in the classical Victorian manner. It has a junior and nursery on the same site and, following amalgamations with prep schools in Milngavie and Newlands, there is a choice of location for younger children. The excellent modern facilities include ICT labs, fine library, music school and design centre. The Academy has a high reputation academically and consistently produces very good results. There are strong links with the university and local colleges. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. There is a range of sports and games in which high standards are attained. (The Scottish Rugby Union was founded in its common room.) First-rate games and sports facilities are at Anniesland in the western end of the city. There is a very active CCF with army, navy and airforce sections, and a pipe band. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor activities, a good range of clubs and societies and strong participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.
School Head Rector: Peter Brodie, in post since 2005. Educated at Abingdon School and Oxford University (English). Previously House Master and Head of English at King's, Canterbury. Teaching staff: 112 full time, 7 part time.
Results S-grades: On average, 100 pupils in S-grade year. Highers: 92 in Higher year: 68% pass in 5+ subjects; 20% in 4; 6% in 3; (many Highers taken as an extra, with Advanced Highers). Advanced Highers:ξ69 in S6, 56 taking Advanced Highers. 18% pass in 3 subjects; 34% in 2 subjects.
Furtherhigher 96% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (15% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 11% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 24% in science and engineering, 6% in law, 24% in humanities and social sciences, 16% in business, 4% in art and design, 15% in other subjects, including combinations. Others typically go on to other courses (most leading to degree courses).
Arts Music: Some 40% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including various choirs, concert band, string ensembles, steel band, percussion ensembles, recorder and guitar groups, pop/rock groups, pipes and drums. Pupils in West of Scotland Independent Schools Orchestras, RSNO children's choirs. Termly concerts, lunchtime recitals, instrumental and vocal competitions and successful participation in Glasgow Music Festival. Drama: Drama is a timetabled subject. Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: ceramics, digital photography, textile and print-making.
Sport Main sports to age 14 are rugby, cricket, hockey. Tennis, athletics, rowing, golf, squash, netball, badminton, shooting, basketball and zumba also available. Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award; CCF optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg debating, chess, electronics, maths, creative writing, Young Enterprise Scheme.
Alumni is run by The President, Glasgow Academical Club, c/o the school
Formerpupils Lord (John) Reith (BBC Governor General); Sir Jeremy Isaacs (TV producer and former Director Royal Opera House); Sir Iain Vallance (former Chairman, BT); Robert MacLennan MP; Donald Dewar (former First Minister); John Beattie (Scotland, British Lions); Charles Miller Smith (CEO of Scottish Power), Neil McGregor (Director of The National Gallery), Professor Niall Ferguson (historian).
