Admissions Policy
Strathallan operates an academic curriculum based on the English key stage system from the ages of 9 to 14. Thereafter pupils study Key Stage 4 leading to GCSE, except in a few cases where the Scottish Standard Grade course is followed. This is subject to change dependent on the preference of the academic departments concerned and the suitability of courses for the pupils in the School. In Sixth Form, courses at Intermediate 2, Higher, AS Level and A2 are offered. Pupils normally take either an A Level course or a course based on Scottish Highers, although some pupils may take one of their subjects at A Level and the others at Higher, or one subject at Higher and the others at A Level under particular circumstances. The use of the two systems is to provide courses which suit the individual needs of each pupil.
Entry to Strathallan is competitive and dependent on the capability of the pupil to benefit from the courses on offer and space being available in classes and/or boarding accommodation.
Pupils should normally be the correct age for the year group based on September 1st cut off with a pupil attaining the age of eighteen during his/her last year at school. Those younger will need to show appropriate academic achievement and level of maturity, those older will be expected to have an acceptable reason for being in a different year group. Scholarships at certain stages are only open to those below a specified age.
For entry to Riley House, pupils normally undertake reasoning tests and a report is requested from their current school, some also take academic scholarship papers. Pupils entering from preparatory schools at 13+ either take scholarship examinations or Common Entrance in June of the year of entry. Again a report will be requested from their current school.
The Report will request information about a candidate’s disciplinary record. The school will not normally accept a pupil who has committed offences at another school which would have led to removal had they occurred at Strathallan.
Examinations are arranged in such a way as not to disadvantage pupils with a disability.
Pupils are considered for entry out with these times if space is available. Normally a school report is sufficient if it provides evidence of achievement in appropriate courses but candidates may be asked to take examinations if there are doubts as to their suitability for the courses undertaken at Strathallan. Entry to Sixth Form may also be subject to appropriate success in external examinations Standard Grade, GCSE or similar international systems.
There is no discrimination at entry on grounds of race, religion, disability or gender. Whether or not a place is available for a boy or a girl may, however, be determined by availability of suitable accommodation in boarding houses which are designated specifically for boys or girls.
The school endeavours to make places available for siblings always subject to the suitability of the candidate for the courses on offer at Strathallan.
No preference is given to a particular parental occupation.
At times where the school is over subscribed, decisions about admissions will be taken by the Headmaster in consultation with senior staff based on the academic achievement and potential of candidates. Extra curricular success and potential and overall contribution will also be taken into account at this point.
In the case of a pupil not gaining a place at Strathallan, parents will be advised as to the reasons and are welcome to contact the Headmaster to discuss the decision.
A limited number of scholarships and bursaries are available. The former are based on achievement and potential judged by members of school staff in specific areas and are awarded in open competition. A limited number of Bursary awards are available dependent on financial need and are assessed by the Bursar in consultation with the Headmaster on completion of the appropriate paperwork and supporting documentation.
This document is also included in the Information for Parents book which is updated on an annual basis. This book contains details of policies on payment of fees, expulsion, and our complaints procedure. It is available from the School and is provided at the end of August to all parents on an annual basis. The Headmaster will be happy to provide any further information about admissions to Strathallan.
NOTE
Because Strathallan receives applications from pupils currently being educated both in Scottish and English systems and also in the IB, IGCSE and other national systems it is impossible to provide rigid criteria. The professional judgement and experience of senior staff are utilised to ensure fair treatment of all pupils.