Ages 
Stunning state school, particularly for musicians, in a super state of the art campus setting – worth moving house for, or trying an application even if you aren't in catchment or a musician. Exam results are very good and school is set on improving them even more. ‘Strength through knowledge’ is the school motto, which the pupils appear to embrace, together with a huge dose of social conscience.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,040 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 139 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Local authority
- East Dunbartonshire Council
Headteacher
Head teacher
Mr Michael Healy
Since 2024, Michael Healy.
Entrance
Most pupils stream from the cluster primaries: Milngavie, Baldernock, Craigdju and Clober. Those not in catchment area travel from as far as Clydebank, Maryhill, Partick and Balfron, including working class children whose parents who want to give
Exit
Around two-thirds go on to higher education, mostly Scottish universities. Two to Oxbridge in 2018 and six medics. Apprenticeships are an integral part of the school’s PHSE programme.
Latest results
In 2019, 69 per cent gained 5 or more Highers.
Teaching & learning
Douglas Academy was ranked 9th across Scotland. The school tells us: ‘STEM subjects massive and a large proportion are taking three sciences at exam level, as well as big numbers in computing science.’ One pupil reached the final at the Big Bang UK
Learning support & SEN
Additional support can be provided in class as well as targeted support by the support for learning department, out of class.
Arts & extracurricular
Huge charity involvement. Three pupils had received the Diana Award for volunteering when we visited. Also works with Milngavie Development Trust in regeneration of Milngavie town centre.
Impressive debating success in national competitions,
Sport
Awarded with gold sports school status. ‘Academically the school is top-notch, but what really sets it apart is the quality and choice of extracurricular activities.’ Does well at traditional team games – football, rugby, hockey, netball, volleyball
Ethos & heritage
Opened its doors to 200 pupils in 1967 on the site of the large Mains Estate. In 2009 was replaced by the fantastic contemporary campus of today, with picturesque views of the Campsies to the north (show-capped during our visit) from the social
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
In general, ‘Behaviour excellent’. School wanted to emphasise the focus on pupils’ mental, social and emotional needs, ‘building up confidence and self-esteem.’ One parent spoke highly of how the school helped her child adjust after moving from
Pupils & parents
Milngavie is an affluent area with the majority of pupils (some 60 per cent) from middle class backgrounds.
Parents get group interim reports and a full report each year. As well as parents' evenings, there are curricular evenings for the lower
The last word
Stunning state school, particularly for musicians, in a super state of the art campus setting – worth moving house for, or trying an application even if you aren't in catchment or a musician. Exam results are very good and school is set on improving
