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What it's like

Founded in 1846, it is the oldest independent school in the West of Scotland. In 1991 it amalgamated with the Westbourne School for Girls, founded in 1877. The main school is on a single site in the west end of the city (together with its own nursery and junior departments), on a compact campus with handsome buildings in the classical Victorian manner. It has recently amalgamated with both Atholl Preparatory School, Milngavie, and with Dairsie House School, Newlands, giving a choice of location for younger children. The excellent modern facilities include ICT labs, fine library, music school and design centre. The Academy has a high reputation academically and consistently produces very good results. Music, drama and art are all strongly supported. There is a range of sports and games in which high standards are attained. (The Scottish Rugby Union was founded in The Academy Common Room.) First-rate games and sports facilities are at Anniesland in the western end of the city. There is a very active CCF with army, navy and airforce sections, and a pipe band. There is considerable emphasis on outdoor activities, a good range of clubs and societies and strong participation in the Duke of Edinburgh's Award Scheme.

Pupils & entrance

Pupils: Total age range 3-18; 1194 day pupils (651 boys, 543 girls). Senior department 11-18, 569 pupils (304 boys, 265 girls). Entrance: Main entry ages 3-5, 10, 11 and 16. Own entrance exam used; interviews for fifth year entry. No special skills or religious requirements. 10% senior intake from state schools (plus some to fifth and sixth year).

Scholarships & bursaries

Up to 6 pa academic scholarships awarded at 11, value 25% of fees. Bursaries to full fees, on a sliding scale based on parental income. Maximum extras 250.

Head & staff

Rector: Peter Brodie, in post since 2005. Educated at Abingdon School and Oxford University (English). Previously House Master and Head of English at King's, Canterbury. Teaching staff: 85 full time, 7 part time. Annual turnover 5%. Average age 40.

Exam results

S-grades: On average, 100 pupils in S-grade year. Highers: 97 in Higher year: 68% pass in 5+ subjects; 20% in 4; 6% in 3; (many Highers taken as an extra, with Advanced Highers). Advanced Highers:à85 in S6, 64 taking Advanced Highers. 17 pass in 3 subjects; 23 in 2 subjects.

University & college entrance

97% of sixth-form leavers go on to a degree course (13% after a gap year), 6% to Oxbridge. 20% take courses in medicine, dentistry and veterinary science, 19% in science and engineering, 8% in law, 8% in humanities and social sciences, 19% in business, 2% in art and design, 24% in other subjects, including combinations. Others typically go on to other courses (most leading to degree courses).

Curriculum

S-grade, Highers, Advanced Highers. 60% take science Advanced Highers; 30% arts/humanities; 10% both. Vocational: Work experience available; also SQA modules in computing, photography, etc. Languages: French and Spanish offered at S-grade, Higher and Advanced Higher. Regular visits and exchanges. ICT: Taught as a discrete subject. Many computers for pupil use (9 hours a day), all networked and with email and internet access.

The arts

Music: Some 30% of pupils learn a musical instrument; instrumental exams can be taken. Some 20 musical groups including various choirs, concert band, string ensembles, steel band, percussion ensembles, recorder and guitar groups, pop/rock groups, pipes and drums. Pupils in West of Scotland Independent Schools Orchestras, RSNO children's choirs. Termly concerts, lunchtime recitals, instrumental and vocal competitions. Drama: Many pupils are involved in school productions. Art and design: On average, 40 take S-grade, 20 Higher, 9 AS-level. Pottery, photography also offered.

Sports & activities

Sport: Main sports up to age 14 are rugby, cricket, hockey. Tennis, athletics, golf, squash, netball, badminton, shooting and curling also available. Activities: Pupils take bronze, silver and gold Duke of Edinburgh's Award. CCF optional. Up to 30 clubs, eg debating, chess, electronics, maths, creative writing.

School life

Uniform: àSchool uniform worn throughout. Houses and prefects: Competitive houses. Prefects, head boy and girl, appointed by the Rector, after consulting pupils and staff. Religion: Christian. Compulsory morning assembly for all. Social: Young Enterprise Scheme, debates, drama, some games (eg hockey), dances with other local schools. Organised trips to eg Dubai, Greenland, Spain, France, Crete; skiing at Christmas and Easter. Pupils allowed to bring own car or bike to school. Meals self-service but formal seating. School shops (tuck, snacks, stationery).

Discipline

Pupils failing to produce homework once might expect to do it in detention; those caught taking drugs on the premises can expect expulsion.

Alumni association

is run by The President, Glasgow Academical Club, New Anniesland, Helensburgh Drive, Glasgow G13 1RR.

Former pupils

Lord Reith (BBC Governor General); Sir Jeremy Isaacs (Royal Opera House); Sir Iain Vallance (Chairman, BT); Robert MacLennan MP; Donald Dewar (former First Minister) MP; John Beattie (Scotland, British Lions); Charles Miller Smith (CEO of Scottish Power), Neil McGregor (Director of The National Gallery), Professor Niall Ferguson (historian).