Ages 
You will be charmed by pupils, staff and the picture-perfect grounds, but this is much more than a chocolate box of a school. Yes, team sports could do with some serious upgrading – and we hope that’s underway – but what we really love is the pioneering academic ethos and cosmopolitan international vibe which somehow place St Leonards in a class of its own.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 530 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 173 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- Day £11,715 - £22,770; Boarding £34,935 - £54,420 pa
- Local authority
- Fife Council
Headteacher
Head
Simon Brian
Since 2021, Simon Brian. Studied French and German at the University of Edinburgh and taught in France and Austria before qualifying as a teacher at the Institute of Education in London. After teaching at Dulwich College and Highgate School, he took
Entrance
School does own CAT4 testing because ‘pupils can’t prep for this’. Junior school pupils transit seamlessly into the senior school. Six grade 6s at GCSEs or equivalent for sixth form, with 7s in subjects to be studied at higher level in the IB, plus
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Typically, one third go to university in Scotland, one third take up offers at other UK institutions (Edinburgh, Glasgow and Exeter popular) and the rest go overseas to study. Popular choices in recent years have included psychology, economics,
Latest results
In 2025, 55 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; average IB score 36 points.
Teaching & learning
St Leonards was the first IB continuum school in Scotland and is still one of only two schools in the UK to offer all four IB programmes. Head says, ‘By starting off following the IB ethos age 4, and going through to 18, we have a great opportunity
Learning support & SEN
‘The head of learning support was extraordinary,’ one parent told us. ‘Our son is very dyslexic but bright. After the initial meeting she stepped in and has helped in every way possible with scribing, support with his homework and specialist learning
Arts & extracurricular
‘Wow the drama!’ Every parent we spoke to thought the drama was outstanding, with particular praise for the teaching staff. In a rather Glastonbury fashion, the school has kept two post-pandemic yurts for rehearsals and creative sessions. Pupils can
Sport
‘Quite honestly, the sport is rather pathetic,’ one parent told us. ‘Golf is well catered for, but they struggle to get hockey and rugby teams together.’ ‘There seems to be more emphasis on working out in the gym rather than team sports, which is a
Boarders
Boarding is thriving. Despite the UK leaving the EU, numbers have risen by an impressive 20 per cent since Brexit. It seems that even with the increased hassle of visas, international parents are attracted by the unusually cosmopolitan atmosphere of
Ethos & heritage
If you’re after historical clout, look no further than St Leonards. Set in the charming and cosmopolitan coastal town of St Andrews, the campus incorporates a mixture of ancient landmarks, quirky buildings, impressive purpose-built facilities and the
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Since the pandemic, the school has established a wellbeing hub right in the centre of the campus, staffed by two wellbeing assistants who are there to provide advice, reassurance and sometimes simply a listening ear. ‘There are mindfulness activities
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 phone use is an ‘age-stage’ privilege. Year 7-9 are not permitted to use their phones during the school day and if they are brought to school, they must be kept in lockers. Year 10-13 may only use devices during the school day with permission from staff and should not be using them in public places. Incorrect use results in confiscation.
Pupils & parents
Parents are an interesting mix – 10 per cent work at the University of St Andrews, quite a few are farmers or small business owners and around a third come from 34 different countries. You might think international pupils would stand out in a
Money matters
Means-tested bursaries for students in years 7 to 13 and scholarships for those entering years 8, 10, and 12. Bursaries are awarded based on financial need, while scholarships recognise exceptional academic ability or talent.
- Fee information
- Day £11,715 - £22,770; Boarding £34,935 - £54,420 pa
The last word
You will be charmed by pupils, staff and the picture-perfect grounds, but this is much more than a chocolate box of a school. Yes, team sports could do with some serious upgrading – and we hope that’s underway – but what we really love is the
