Ages 
Outstanding, with inspirational leadership. Better resourced than many schools in the independent sector - and it’s free. A beacon – Glasgow independent sector eat your heart out: Jordanhill should be compulsory viewing for the lot of you.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,056 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 96 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Local authority
- Glasgow City Council
Headteacher
Rector
John D. Anderson
Since 2020, John Anderson BSc PGCE(S) CChem CSciTeach MRSC. He has had a long association with the school, having started in 2007 as head of chemistry, promoted to depute head in 2012. His senior leadership roles span both the independent and state
Entrance
Traditionally 33 pupils are added to those who come up from primary to senior, thus four classes of roughly 25. Inclusive, by address, oversubscribed, waiting lists. Siblings get priority. Some places may become available in odd years, ditto (never
Exit
Virtually all move from primary to senior school. Nearly all sixth formers to university. Large numbers to Scottish universities of course, with Dundee, Edinburgh, Glasgow, most popular. Trickle to Oxbridge (though none in 2025, nor anyone overseas)
Latest results
In 2025, 96 per cent A-C grades at National 5; 82 per cent A-B at Higher; 71 per cent A-B at Advanced Higher.
Teaching & learning
The school is inclusive: the most successful state school in Scotland. Four classes of 25 (rather than the trad legal limit of 33) with practical classes of 20. Some setting in maths. French from P1, Spanish on offer from age 14 to Advanced Higher
Learning support & SEN
Arrangements on hand for non native-speakers to have help with extra English (ESOL) and take exams in their native langs, through Shawlands Academy, the Punjabi and Urdu centres etc; pupils studying Cantonese, Greek, Italian, Latin, Mandarin or Urdu
Arts & extracurricular
Stunning north-facing art department in the South building, lots of art on display, magical fabrics, jewellery and photography. Kiln and silk screen machine in place. Sculpture and good CDT.
Drama strong, biennial school show and drama timetabled
Sport
Impressive number of playing fields, or use of them. School owns one rugby pitch, uses one from the uni, and has a couple of footie pitches on a 75 year lease from Strathclyde uni. The impressive all-weather pitch and adjacent floodlit 3G MUGA had
Ethos & heritage
Founded in 1920 as a demo school for Jordanhill College of Education, became direct grant in 1987, having narrowly escaped closure in 1969. Handsome classical grade B listed building. Rector has stunning panelled offices (think Eltham Palace); huge
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Four houses - the heads of houses are guidance staff with combined office and interview rooms. Pupils meet with their tutors for 10 minutes each day; the latter are responsible for PSE. School policy is to clamp down hard on any form of bullying. A
Mobile phone policy
A clear mobile phone policy is a really important part of modern schooling. This school has provided us with their policy.
Mobile phone policy
Provided by the school and not part of our review Mobile phones must not be used during the school day. They must be switched off and stored in bags (not pockets) during school hours.
Pupils & parents
Serves a predominantly owner-occupier area - professionals, who form an enthusiastic parent-teacher association, with parent volunteers in primary department and loads of fundraising. Ten per cent ethnic minorities. Only pupils S4 and above allowed
The last word
Outstanding, with inspirational leadership. Better resourced than many schools in the independent sector - and it’s free. A beacon – Glasgow independent sector eat your heart out: Jordanhill should be compulsory viewing for the lot of you.
