Fernhill School

Since September 2019, Mark Donnelly. Born and educated in Lanarkshire. Prior to teaching, he was a renowned classical singer and recitalist and has been the guest of many leading choral societies and orchestras, with performances in recital and

Primary school applicants sit a cognitive, speech and language entrance test; entrants are guaranteed a place into the upper school. Secondary school applicants must pass the curriculum assessment, but there is a strong emphasis on ‘keeping families

Vast majority go on to Scottish universities, mainly Glasgow, Strathclyde, St Andrews and Edinburgh, studying subjects including engineering, computing, maths and business with languages. Some take a gap year post-Highers and the odd one starts an

In 2024, at National 5 94 per cent As and Cs; Highers 85 per cent As and Bs. For Advanced Highers 100 per cent for As and Bs.

Academic school, with Higher results eighth best in Scotland recently – impressive since this is a non-selective school: ‘We take everyone in.’ Only children with severe special needs or disabilities wouldn’t be suited to the school. Small class

Good SEN provision including a support for learning coordinator. Staff turnover is low and majority long serving. All are qualified teachers following Curriculum for Excellence and there is a 50/50 gender balance in senior management.

Makes up for what it lacks in sporting prowess in other clubs: science, debating, public speaking, chess, cake baking and fashion to name a few. Successful and popular debating team with various debating competitions on the go. P7s take part in a

Doing its best to provide an improved games programme, but you won’t find top-notch hockey fields and rugby pitches here. One senior pupil told us she’d like to ‘bring in more sports, with better results in competitions'. This reviewer loved how

As the school is small one works as a mentor for all pupils in their house. Pastoral care is given through the deputy head, whom children can approach with any problems, but ‘all teachers lend an eye and are approachable’. Senior management team

Communication in the form of a newsletter every term, which illustrates the children’s achievements – parents have opportunity to share their experiences in the newsletter, too. Above and beyond normal parents’ evenings, senior members of staff have

Considers itself more affordable than many of Scotland’s fee-paying schools, offering means-tested bursaries. Mortgage-style payment scheme is available, though only a small percentage use it. Extra costs include music tuition, school trips and

Tiny Catholic school, recently turned co-ed, which accepts children from all faiths. With strong moral values, it prides itself on turning out competent, confident and mostly academic children, with girls achieving great results in the sciences.