Ages 
Top Glasgow independent school that ticks all the boxes. Hard not to be impressed by the facilities, particularly in the stunning science building. Matched with outstanding academic results, sporting prowess and a modern, inclusive approach – it’s a school that’s hard to resist.
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Overview & data
- Pupil numbers
- 1,678 ·
- Sixth form numbers
- 124 ·
- Religion
- Non-denom
- Fees
- £12,495 - 17,040 pa
- Local authority
- Glasgow City Council
Headteacher
Rector
Dr Matt Gibson
Since January 2025, Dr Matt Gibson. Previously deputy rector and head of senior school, he has played a huge part in the school in recent years, including the creation and development of the award-winning online learning platform, thinkfour.
Head
Entrance
Entry to prep school through the pre-school from age 3 or by interview with parents onsite. Entrance to senior school is generally automatic from prep school. Admission by school test and interview; occasional waiting lists. Some incomers in S5 and
- Open days
- See website
Exit
Most stay on until S6 for Highers or Advanced Highers to add to their academic portfolio. Over 97 per cent go on to university, mostly Scottish, but with some heading south. More than half headed to Glasgow and Edinburgh in 2025. Strathclyde, St
Latest results
In 2025, 86 per cent A at National 5 (98 per cent A-C); 72 per cent A at Higher (96 per cent A-C); 62 per cent A at Advanced Higher (93 per cent A-C).
Teaching & learning
Good teacher to pupil ratio and small classroom sizes at the three prep schools, with fewer than 19 pupils per class. Particularly tiny has been Newlands Prep (Dairsie), with only 26 children across all four classes, but this is now growing due to
Learning support & SEN
Support for Learning is housed in the former prep head’s office, but this editor was so engaged in conversation with the head of department she didn’t look up to marvel at the apparently magnificent ceiling. We heard only wonderful things about SfL
Arts & extracurricular
Over 100 extracurricular clubs to cater for everyone, from chess to zumba to the Gavel Society for public speaking. CCF is not compulsory, but very popular, as is DofE (up to gold level). Clubs are run by teachers and the majority are free.
Sport
Over 20 sports available and masses of inter-house competitions, all celebrated in the school magazine. Games and outdoor pursuits are a big deal; one knows this is true when the director of sport, who we chatted to in the playground, is a former
Ethos & heritage
Founded as a limited company in 1845, The Glasgow Academy is the oldest fully independent school in Scotland and reconstituted as a memorial to the 327 staff and pupils killed, post WW1. Merged with the Westbourne School for girls in 1991.
Cradle
Pastoral care, inclusivity & discipline
Pupils belong to one of four houses (each with a male and female head) who enthusiastically compete in inter-house competitions. If parents or pupils have a concern, they can reach out to the head of year or allocated tutor (two per house per year
Pupils & parents
Solid intake of pupils from middle class parents, but this is still Glasgow – ‘parents are not afraid to tell you what they think.’ Lots of FPs' children, plus growing number of first time buyers, many attracted by the investment in the school,
Money matters
Bursary fund available to support talented children from low income families. Nearly 15 per cent of children from P7 to S6 receive a bursary. Emergency fund may be available for curricular school trips.
- Fee information
- £12,495 - 17,040 pa
The last word
Top Glasgow independent school that ticks all the boxes. Hard not to be impressed by the facilities, particularly in the stunning science building. Matched with outstanding academic results, sporting prowess and a modern, inclusive approach – it’s a
