Dollar Academy

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 hea

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 gr

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 cou

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.

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 investin

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 ra

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 Scho

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

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 to

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

A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.

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.

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 thro

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.