Ages 
This is a school that isn’t going to be beaten. Neither by the economic downturn or punitive legislation. The headmaster says that he would like to be remembered as the person who embodied the values established over one hundred years ago, who balanced the books and won all the matches. A Scottish school with a Yorkshire accent, proud of its heritage, proud of its success, and never complacent.
Why read our school review?
Unlike other websites, schools can't pay to be included in The Good Schools Guide. This means our review of this school is independent, critical and fair, and written with parents' best interests at heart.
Unlock to access
Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 495 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 198 ·
- Offers boarding
- Yes ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- Day £16,995 - £34,296; Boarding £33,000 - £52,431 pa
- Local authority
- Perth and Kinross Council
Headteacher
Headmaster
Mark Lauder
Since 2017, Mark Lauder, formerly Head of Ashville College in Harrogate, deputy for three years at Felsted, head of history and housemaster at St Edward’s, Oxford and before that head of history and rowing at Shiplake.
His state education was
Entrance
At 13 plus, mostly, from the Strathallan Prep school which shares the same site. No formal entrance exam for the prep pupils who move to the senior school automatically. Others come in via common entrance or the school’s scholarship exam, school
- Open days
- March and October
Exit
Sixty per cent to Scottish universities - most popular Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, St Andrews, Strathclyde. The rest mainly to English universities, occasionally Queen's Belfast and Trinity College, Dublin; American and European universities
Latest results
In 2025, 23 per cent 9-7 at GCSE; 33 per cent A*/A at A level (62 per cent A*/B); 70 per cent A-B at Higher, 75 per cent A-B at Advanced Higher.
Teaching & learning
Headmaster stresses the constant drive to improve academic results - especially for those whose time is limited by their commitment to sport or other non-academic activities. ‘We are at heart a boarding school with lessons on Saturday mornings and a
Sixth form
Sixth form students are hugely impressed by the knowledge and enthusiasm of their teachers – ‘they speak to us like we’re university students.’ Independent learning is encouraged in the sixth form study areas in the library and art
Learning support & SEN
Learning support is free, delivered one to one, in small groups or in the classroom. There are two full-time qualified staff and part-time qualified teachers. Increased support during lessons means pupils don’t have to miss curriculum study.
The
Arts & extracurricular
Extremely well-equipped art department (building opened by the sculptor Eduardo Paolozzi), is located in the middle of the school and was busy with students and their teachers who stimulate every kind of creative process. Around the campus, the walls
Sport
Rugby is what Strathallan is famous for, say admirers and critics alike. At the time of our visit there were eight members of the Scottish men’s national squad, 11 professionals and over 40 international junior players. Occasionally the school seems
Boarders
Boarding is big at Strathallan, with about 55 per cent full boarders; occasional boarding is also very popular and pretty much essential for busy day pupils. Houses are usually assigned to pupils before arrival, but some preferences (family
Ethos & heritage
Strathallan is a Scottish school, but it was founded by a Yorkshireman, Harry Riley, in 1913. Set in over 150 acres of woodland and beautifully maintained lawns and gardens, the estate was purchased when Mr Riley ran out of space for his school in
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
The school’s pastoral policies are very clear and accessible. There's a strict no phones rule in specific areas during the school day, with details on when and how devices can be used by boarders. Policies on respect and inclusion state a commitment
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 Phones should not be seen or used during the school day in line with when the pupils are expected to be in school uniform, including activities and games sessions and while walking around the school. International pupils, identified by the EAL department, will be able to use their phones when needed to translate with permission from the teacher. No phones to be used in ‘phone free zones’, the dining hall or chapel. In the case of an emergency, phones may be used in houses. Should parents need to contact a pupil in an emergency they can do so via reception or the boarding house.
Pupils & parents
It’s a mix: Perthshire farmers, entrepreneurs, some forces’ families. About 12 per cent international - from Germany, China, Spain predominantly. Increasing number from England: ‘It’s only a couple of hours from Heathrow, door to door’.
Day pupils
Money matters
Money definitely matters to Strathallan parents. They want value for money and the head knows it. Fees are lower than some other Scottish boarding schools and much lower than English competitors. This is a deliberate policy so the school doesn’t
- Fee information
- Day £16,995 - £34,296; Boarding £33,000 - £52,431 pa
The last word
This is a school that isn’t going to be beaten. Neither by the economic downturn or punitive legislation. The headmaster says that he would like to be remembered as the person who embodied the values established over one hundred years ago, who
