Robert Gordon's College

Since September 2020, Robin Macpherson BA MSc FRSA. History degree from Oxford, master’s from Edinburgh, headship qualifications from Stirling. Son of the late Rev Allan Macpherson, former Chaplain at Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh, where he

From nursery by interview; those aged 9 or over sit a test, as do those entering senior school. Covid, the downturn in the oil industry and the cost-of-living crisis mean the school is not as oversubscribed as it once was – there were waiting lists

At 18+, virtually all to university, over 90 per cent staying in Scotland, notably Aberdeen, Edinburgh and Glasgow. Popular destinations south of the border include King's College London, Loughborough, Newcastle, Imperial, UCL, Manchester and

In 2025, 96 per cent A-C at National 5; 82 per cent A/B at Higher; 82 per cent A/B at Advanced Higher.

‘Be all you can be’ is the school motto, evident from the tiniest of tots in the nursery with its two vibrant, inter-connecting playrooms and outdoor play area that form part of the College’s quadrangle, alongside the junior and senior schools.

Emphasis on early intervention, with Support for Learning (SfL) teachers moving between the junior and senior schools to help identify potential problems and ensure continuity. In juniors, one-to-one classes are provided by the head of SfL. ‘The kids

‘Don’t let the climb put you off,’ joked our tour guide as we approached the top floor art department. It’s worth the hike, with considerable artistic talent evident across a range of mediums, not least the Higher photography portfolio pieces,

The most sporty school in the area, say parents. Bar swimming, which takes place on-site, most of it happens at the 40-acre Countesswells sports ground on the edge of the city, with Astros, water-based hockey pitch (used by international squads) and

Parents describe the pastoral care as ‘excellent’. ‘They are fantastic people with the best interests of children at heart,’ said one. Good comms too from the pastoral team, who are ‘quick to respond, usually within hours of any queries’. Eight heads

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

Pupils are confident, without being arrogant – and parent tell us the school shines at ‘drawing the best out of the shiest of pupils’. Lots of parents from medical, business, education and green sector backgrounds, alongside those receiving bursary

Lower fee rises than other similar-sized schools in Scotland, in awareness of the current difficult economic situation. School is a significant provider of bursaries up to 100 per cent, with one in seven children in the senior school on some form of

Historic city-centre school with top academic standards, impressive facilities and progressive leadership. Parents say the school is hugely supportive and also appreciate the choice of subjects and sports to accommodate any interest or ability.