Gordonstoun is a fully co-educational school for boys and girls aged 13 to 18 - there are four girls' houses and five boys' houses. Founded by Dr. Kurt Hahn in 1934, the School aims to extend pupils and to help them to achieve examination success. GCSE and A-Level courses are offered with a wide choice of subjects available. Our affiliated Preparatory School, Aberlour House also founded by Kurt Hahn, prepares boys and girls aged 8-13 for entry to Gordonstoun, which is guaranteed.
There is a vibrant international atmosphere in the School with 20% of pupils from abroad. For those who require it, English as a second language is taught to small groups.
There is a 92% pass rate at A-Level with over 90% of leavers entering degree courses. The pass rate in GCSE is 86%. Pupils are guided by Housemasters, Housemistresses and by a personal tutor. There is a strong careers department.
The School has a long tradition of music, drama and creative arts and there are major productions throughout the year. The 300 acre estate has 40 acres of playing fields, a floodlit, all weather astro playing surface, 16 tennis courts and modern sports centre, four squash courts, a heated swimming pool and a multi-gym. There is a 400 metre athletics track. The proximity of the Moray Firth and of the Cairngorms complete an ideal setting for a balanced education. This includes small boat sailing, ocean-crewing on the School's 66' yacht, expedition work and a full range of team games, individual sports and recreational activities. Pupils also join the Gordonstoun Services which help locally when needed - Mountain Rescue, Fire Service, Coast Guards, Inshore Rescue, Community Service, the A.T.C and Nature Conservancy.
Gordonstoun aims to educate the whole person in preparation for life.
The School motto is 'Plus est en Vous' - There is more in you than you think.
250 youngsters also attend the Gordonstoun International Summer School each year - over 30 countries are represented with youngsters studying English as a Foreign Language (there are alternatives for English speakers) together with sport, sailing, initiative, adventure, art & design and recreation set in the beautiful Highland environment around Gordonstoun.
