Dollar Academy A GSG School

Other features

All-through school (for example 3-18 years). - An all-through school covers junior and senior education. It may start at 3 or 4, or later, and continue through to 16 or 18. Some all-through schools set exams at 11 or 13 that pupils must pass to move on.

Sports

Unusual sports

Equestrian centre or equestrian team - school has own equestrian centre or an equestrian team.

Fencing

Shooting

What The Good Schools Guide says

Rector

Since 2019, Ian Munro BSc PGCE MA (Edinburgh) MEd (Cambridge) FRSB. Also studied educational leadership at Harvard University School of Education. Fellow of the Royal Society of Biology. Attracted attention in 2016 when appointed youngest-ever head (aged just 34) in the independent sector at Kelvinside in Glasgow. Since arrival at Dollar has continued to innovate with futuristic curriculum agenda and ambitious plans to improve opportunities for pupils across Scotland. ‘I knew I was taking on an excellent school, but to be complacent and stand still is dangerous.’

Born in Aberdeen, he was state school educated until moving to Heriot’s in Edinburgh in S3. Returned to teach at his alma mater (head of year and biology), then head of biology at Gordonstoun, followed by deputy head at Shiplake College in Henley-on-Thames.

Incredibly accommodating and kindness itself, agreeing to a visit despite a recent unexpected bout of illness (he’s normally bounding with cheerful energy – he used to row for Scotland and has been known to take part in endurance rowing races on Loch Lomond). Although obviously still in some discomfort, we sat at a table in his chic navy-blue office while he enthusiastically talked through his plans to build a Futures Institute at Dollar to instigate new revolutionary ways of learning. More a charismatic motivator than an autocrat, judging from the way pupils and teachers stopped for relaxed chats in the corridors. ‘Really love the man, he’s always willing to listen’, one parent told us. ‘Very cerebral - a deep thinker’, added another. ‘Our children adore him – hanging onto his every word.’ They, as we did, sense something exciting in the air.

He and his wife, Catherine (who teaches history at the school) are keen sailors with a boat moored on the west coast. No children, but two inky black spaniels called Darwin and Fleming (no prizes for guessing why), who delight pupils and teachers alike by rolling over frequently for tummy rubs.

Since 2023, deputy rector is Robin Pyper. Educated at Gordonstoun before studying sports science at Leeds University. QTS through University of Warwick while working at Bloxham School. Housemaster at Merchiston Castle before moving to Lord Wandsworth College, first as a houseparent then deputy head pastoral, where he gained a master’s in education leadership from the University of Exeter. Married to Rachael, a music teacher. Two girls at the school and a lively cocker spaniel called Walter (there’s a theme here!).

Entrance

Main entry points age 5 (P1), 10 (J1) or 12 (form 1). Entry from P3 to F2 is by selective entrance exam, but rector says the most important aspect is the interview with him, where he can get to know the child better. Waiting lists for some year groups, notably fifth and sixth form where a handful join, mainly from abroad.

Exit

Prep and junior pupils automatically progress and school says all do. Most stay on for sixth form too. Leavers mainly to Scottish universities, notably St Andrews, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Exeter, Loughborough, Bristol and Durham also popular. A couple to Oxbridge most years - two in 2024. USA increasingly popular – in 2024, one student to Columbia University in New York to study English and liberal arts, while in previous years Harvard, Stanford and Columbia have featured. Sixteen medics in 2024; law and engineering also popular. Art is a strength with successful entries to the likes of Central St Martins, Edinburgh, Glasgow and Duncan of Jordanstone schools of art.

Special mention from parents for the ‘inspiring’ and ‘comprehensive’ career support. Woven through PSE for all age groups. Plus, dedicated staff member who works alongside professional careers advisors from the Careers Place – all senior pupils offered regular appointments. Personal advisor on hand for applications; mock interviews and interview prep all part of the service. Annual Futures Fair brings 60 industries to school to inspire senior pupils.

Latest results

In 2024 at National 5, 96 per cent A-C; at Higher, 82 per cent A-B; and at Advanced Higher, 77 per cent A-B.

Teaching and learning

Friendly vibe in the prep and junior schools. Not a particularly inspiring building though – a bit warren like. ‘I feel disloyal, but the prep is looking very tired – it could do with an upgrade,’ said a parent. School says they’re always investing; latest big improvement is to the outdoor area and what the classrooms lose in aesthetics, they gain in industriousness and fun. ‘We’re incorporating more play into the academic side, children direct their own learning’, junior head tells us. Enabled by small classes: average 20. Specialist teachers for art, swimming, PE and music from the start. Home economics from P3 and EDT from P5. From P6/7 pupils begin to travel to senior school for music, art and swimming as part of transition. SWAPS also common at this stage, ie junior teachers take on a specialist subject and move around the juniors’ classes.

Class sizes drop to around 15 in senior school, where we saw good old-fashioned academic rigour, evidenced by some of the best results in Scotland. ‘They work them hard’, parents confirmed. ‘Our daughter does more in one period than she did in a day at her old school.’ Definitely face-forward and heads-up vibe – and parents talk of incredible wraparound support. ‘Our panicky daughter emailed her teacher at the weekend, and they responded immediately.’

Great on breadth, offering the widest range of Highers anywhere, with a whopping 34 subjects, along with 27 at Advanced Higher, ranging from engineering and science to music (both performing and technology) and design and manufacture. ‘There are no fixed columns, so nothing is off the table,’ they told us, ‘and over 99 per cent gets first choice.’ Excellent staff retention too, we’re told – with youngish, energetic ones rather than old tweedies. Pupils generally in favour: ‘We really get to know them in clubs which makes class work easier.’

Impressive modern science block with one floor devoted to each science – biology topping the popularity charts (‘We love the biology teachers – they’re the nicest’). Art, business management, economics and history also come in for high praise. Note, pupils are not required to take English or maths at Higher, but school says they’re still ‘incredibly popular’ (nine or 10 sets per year group). Most take five Highers or more in fifth year, then three advanced Highers in sixth.

We were blown away by the award-winning Westwater building, which houses the languages department. Two floors of classrooms, each facing a breathtaking glass corridor with views to the south. No wonder their languages uptake is so good. One Spanish teacher told us, ‘Sometimes we just sit at the edge of the classroom and chat in Spanish about the view.’ One pupil we spoke to loved that Italian was an option. School proud they still offer French, German, Spanish and Mandarin too, when many others are cutting back.

School understandably keen to promote its space-agey learning, whereby the so-called Futures Institute at Dollar (FIDA) sees the school linking with industry, universities and NGOs to produce a project-based curriculum aimed at solving real-world eco problems. They’re already trialing a FIDA inspired qualification, the international sustainability diploma (equivalent to a Higher) which will be available to all Scottish schools who want it. Forget exams, the premise goes – you just get on with it! A futuristic geodesic dome, designed by award-winning former pupil, Andrew Whalley (of Eden Project fame) is being built in the grounds to house this new educational programme. Not everyone is drinking the Kool-Aid, however. One parent told us, ‘Some of the older locals are horrified.’

Learning support and SEN

Pupils and parents rave about the ‘wonderful’ learning support department. ‘One of the assistant rectors said to me, “Just let us have him – there is so much we can do to help” and they’ve been amazing!’ Seven full-time members of staff cover a range of needs including dyslexia, dyspraxia, anxiety and ADHD. In-class support, team teaching, small group tuition and tailor-made individual programmes all included in the fees. Three learning support bases - one in the prep (P1-5), one in the juniors (P6/7) and one in the senior school. Ed psychs, optometrists, therapists and audiologists enlisted at extra cost when required. Disabled access throughout campus– curricular and physical adjustments made to accommodate most pupils.

The arts and extracurricular

Light-filled and airy art department regularly sends pupils to top destinations across the UK including Central St Martins in London to study fashion, Kingston School of Art to study product and furniture design, Edinburgh College and Glasgow School of Art for architecture, fine art, interior design, textile design… the list goes on. We were met by staff and pupils brimming with enthusiasm – and parents too who talk of ‘professional level textiles’. Ceramics wow-factor too – we loved the creative vibe of a spacious room filled with potters’ wheels and beautifully crafted pieces. ‘Sixth form is basically run like an art college with their own dedicated studio,’ said one pupil.

Music is enthusiastically supported by parents, pupils and locals. Glasgow’s Royal Concert Hall, the Usher Hall, Edinburgh and Perth Concert Hall all play host in turn to sold-out Christmas performances by the school – and the audience aren’t just family members . ‘It was quite emotional for us all to sing in the Royal Concert Hall, Glasgow,’ said one pupil. Over 14 choirs and orchestras throughout the school, and 19 peris teach everything from double bass to singing. On curriculum too, up to Advanced Higher. Facilities well-equipped, including an auditorium, studio, four classrooms and seven private rooms. Music tech (think creating your own orchestra in your bedroom) has its own dedicated room. ‘My rather shy child has thrived because of this subject. Organising the sound behind the scenes at school performances has injected other areas of his life with confidence’. And we’re not going to leave music without mentioning the pipe bands - the school has three in total, which have won eight juvenile world championships between them. They’re not only beloved by the parents and pupils, but also by the village who happily stop to listen to the massed pipes at 8 am every morning. What a way to wake up!

Senior school musical every summer term at the Macroberts Art Centre in Stirling - Grease and Sister Act most recently. The junior school musical takes place in the assembly hall – The Sound of Music last year. And let’s not forget the wee ones – prep 3 have all the main leads in the nativity; prep 4 are linking with Scottish Opera, who regularly come in to work with the children; and prep 5 put on a ‘show in a week’ including learning songs, dancing and different kinds of stagecraft. One parent told us, ‘Directing is very popular with the 6 year old in our house.’

Plenty of clubs to choose from - 140 at last count, with everything from surfing in Dunbar (brrrr!) to beekeeping in the grounds. ‘I’m currently designing and making my own electric guitar,’ said one pupil about guitar building club (doesn't get more niche than that!). Pupils value the interaction it gives them with teachers: ‘We get to know them so much better.’ One biology teacher (everyone’s favourite department, remember) has set up the Scottish Independent Basketball League, so lots of enthusiastic takers there. The junior and prep have their own selection of activities including the popular gardening club.

Bucket loads of trips and exchanges – Auschwitz, Somme, skiing in the Alps, Haruki Murakami’s Tokyo hot spots among them. Plus geography trips to Iceland and Colorado, exchanges to France, Germany, Spain, Russia and China. Sporting tours galore. But, as one parent said, ‘it can be a struggle to muster the extra funds.’

Sport

Incredible spread of top-quality sporting facilities all a hop, skip and a jump from the classrooms. Acres of rugby, hockey and cricket pitches backed up with tennis courts, fitness suites and a giant games hall. No longer all about the hockey and rugby, although both still feature strongly and there is a strong coaching set up. Girls’ rugby is taking off - they’re going to the Rosslyn Sevens next year – and girls’ football is ever more popular. Some parents felt there was still ‘too much emphasis on the ‘rugby jocks’, but teachers acknowledge this and are working to change that. Ultimate Frisby is big and, if you like bad sweaters and ruining a good walk, the golf academy tees off at nearby world-class Gleneagles. Every Saturday morning pupils get access to PGA Academy coaches , followed by a choice of world-beating courses in the afternoon.

Boarders

Around half of boarders come from Scotland, the rest from England, Germany, USA Bulgaria and Hong Kong. Homely and cosy accommodation, though not the slickest. Still, they’ve done a good job of artfully shoehorning it into the beautiful, listed townhouses which surround the school grounds. No exeats, but families can apply for ‘permissions’ to the rector. Every weekend, they’re bussed on trips to the likes of the panto, shopping or go-karting in Edinburgh (about 30 to 40 minutes away). Boarders told us they frequently spend weekends with the nearby day pupils, although parents say the boarding houses are still full at weekends – no one is left on their own. One gripe from older boarders is that even in sixth form, no one is guaranteed their own room. ‘I hate sharing bathrooms as well, but that’s just me,’ added another.

Ethos and heritage

It’s hard not to be charmed by the beauty of Dollar Academy. Designed as a school by the celebrated neoclassical architect, William Playfair (famous for the National Gallery of Scotland), those elegant doric columns first admitted pupils in 1818. Led by the eminent educationalist Reverend Andrew Mylne, the initial funding came from ‘local boy done good’, Captain John McNab, who left a bequest in his will for ‘a Charity or School for the parish of Dollar and shire of Clackmannan wheir I was born’. The school is currently investigating slavery links. Seventy green acres surround the majesty of the main building with some sensitive additions.

Parents told us they love the fact the village of Dollar revolves around the school and vice versa. Despite its unquestionably grand buildings, it’s very much part of the local community - more a high school with boarding houses than a boarding school with portentous aspirations. Not a ‘posh snooty’ school, we were told. ‘That’s why we chose it’.

Outwardly, still a very traditional look with pupils dressed in a choice of navy blue blazers, tartan skirts and dark trousers. ‘They prefer it’, says the rector. No change of uniform in sixth form, just the addition of a different tie and some braid around the blazer.

Pastoral care, inclusivity and discipline

Be kind, work hard and get involved’ is the school motto and Dollar has a well-deserved reputation for looking after its pupils. First port of call for junior pupils are class teachers, while each senior year has a head and an assistant head. All senior pupils meet daily with their form tutor. House parents, assistant house staff and visiting tutors oversee any boarding concerns. Fifty staff with the mental health first aid certificate. Full-time school counsellor. ‘Teachers go the extra mile, especially at exam time’, pupils told us, ‘and they’re always quick to respond’. Sixth formers can apply to be trained as mental health ambassadors. One told us she spent a six-week block helping to coach form twos on how to improve their wellbeing. ‘I gained as much as they did out of it,’ she said. Soothing wellbeing room with sofas, throws and reed diffusers.

Pupil-led Diversity Action Group promotes the likes of Black History Month and Holocaust Memorial Day.

Parents say the school has a ‘feisty’ take on bullying, and they urge pupils and parents to report any incidents. Rector very strong on ‘good manners, discipline and respect’ and pupils and parents say his friendly vibe permeates the school. Discipline therefore not a particularly hot topic, but when needed follows usual system of sanctions, restorative chats, detention, exclusion, expulsion as last resort .

Pupils and parents

Very down-to-earth feel. Although some very wealthy parents, most ‘work very hard’ to send their children here, we heard. Farmers, medics, finance, taxi and train drivers. Pupils are very ‘happy in their own skin’ - chatty, but not overconfident. Gentle, educated, Scottish accents rather than ya-ya. As one parent said, ‘There are no expensive Northface puffa jackets here dividing the haves from the have nots.’

Fleets of buses spread far and wide from the outer reaches of Fife, Perthshire, Clackmannanshire and Stirlingshire. Local public bus company arrange their timetable around the school’s schedule. A couple of pupils even travel from Drymen, a two hour round trip. Edinburgh airport is 40 minutes away by car.

Money matters

Means tested bursaries (most 100 per cent, although there is a sliding scale) from F1 onwards. School also supports boarding scholarship places through the HMC Projects Scholarship Programme. School says they’ve scaled their bursary provision through the FIDA initiative by offering free online courses and in-person workshops for children across Scotland and beyond.

The last word

Excellent all-round Scottish education in breathtaking surroundings. Don’t be fooled by the traditional wrappings though - thanks to an inspiring rector, this school is front foot forward and is reaching for the stars.

Special Education Needs

The school has a Support for Learning department, but most children cope adequately on a normal timetable. A small number of children receive extra support either in class or by extraction. We try to integrate pupils into classes as much as possible. For more information, please visit: https://www.dollaracademy.org.uk/academic/support-forlearning

Who came from where