St Leonards School

St Leonards is a friendly and forward-looking independent, coeducational, boarding and day school situated on an historic campus at the heart of the university town of St Andrews. The school enjoys an unrivalled location - there are sandy beaches, world-class Links golf courses, and historic sites on its doorstep.

St Leonards was named Scotland’s Independent School of the Year 2019 by The Sunday Times Good Schools Guide. It is international and progressive in outlook, yet rooted in Scottish traditions. At present, there are pupils from 37 nationalities on the school roll; boarding is offered from age 10.

Over the past five years, St Leonards has invested £4 million to refurbish its boarding houses, which are very much a ‘home from home’. The renovated houses have beautiful, state-of-the-art kitchens and spacious communal areas. A number of the bedrooms even have stunning views over the town’s medieval cathedral ruins and the North Sea that lies beyond.

St Leonards delivers the inspiring, globally-recognised International Baccalaureate curriculum (which has been praised by university admissions officers for its focus on deepening learning learning, offering wider subject options, and enriching minds) for pupils aged five to 18, and was the first school to be accredited as an all-through IB school in Scotland. It is one of just two schools in the UK to actively offer all four IB programmes, ensuring a seamless learner journey. The youngest pupils follow the Primary Years Programme, which goes hand-in-hand with the vibrant Outdoor Learning programme at St Leonards. This is followed by the Middle Years Programme and (I)GCSEs. In the Sixth Form, pupils choose between the Career-related Programme and the Diploma Programme.

Timetables are designed to establish a healthy balance of outstanding sporting and cocurricular activities alongside academic studies, with over 50 activities offered. St Leonards enjoys a rich sporting heritage, and continues to boast a strong record of achievement with pupils representing the school nationally in golf, rugby, lacrosse, hockey, horse riding, and small-bore rifle shooting. The leading five-tier Golf Programme continues to go from strength to strength, the Duke of Edinburgh Award is the fastest growing of all Scottish independent schools, and an exciting calendar of trips and activities ensures pupils leave St Leonards equipped with the skills required to succeed in today’s ever-changing world. Truly an education ‘Ad Vitam’ (for life).

Values and Vision

The International Baccalaureate ethos pervades all aspects of life at St Leonards. Pupils and staff aspire to be reflective, balanced, open-minded, knowledgeable and principled inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and risk-takers. In line with its motto ‘Ad Vitam’ (for life), St Leonards seeks to prepare boys and girls for life with its ups and downs, opportunities and challenges - to equip them with the skills, qualities, experiences and qualifications that will enable them to participate with purpose, communicate effectively, and be rounded and caring citizens.