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Are the academics really very poor at Gordonstoun?

64 replies

SchoolDilemmaScotland · 28/01/2021 12:45

Have name changed for this. We are deciding on senior school at the moment for DD and are in Scotland. We really like the ethos and look of Gordonstoun but I’m really stumbling over the academic results. They are very much lower than other schools. Are there any current or past Gordonstoun parents who could give their opinion? I understand that academic results aren’t everything but I think they should be considered.

OP posts:
Frodont · 04/02/2021 08:31

What an absolute waste of money!

Are you independently hugely wealthy OP? Or have children who will run huge land based businesses? Or go into the military? If not, fgs don't send them to Gordonstoun.

SchoolDilemmaScotland · 04/02/2021 09:07

Very happy to listen to what you have to say too @Frodont. I’m not looking for an echo chamber.

OP posts:
Blagardy · 04/02/2021 19:48

I'm a bit late on this as well but as a parent of a child in their final year I'd just like to reiterate the above.

Its not overly academic selectively and its not fair to compare it to schools that are. Its about improving standards, fulfilling potential and alongside grades, the wider experience (which is frankly incredible), all within a beautiful location. If you have the capability of going to Oxbridge, they will get you there. If you want to do something more vocational they can also help you with that. Its about the individual not a hot house system.

We have kids at two other schools and can see the standard of teaching is of a high quality and extremely professional.They've put in alot of effort into remote learning, which is well done, so occasionally you can hear this for yourself! Extra help is available whenever needed.

On the point about the staff mainly not living on site. I'm not a teacher but think its a good thing. The school is very much part of the community and teachers living locally helps reinforce that. In my mind that's much better than being a isolated bastion of priviledge.

MsSoulSister · 04/02/2021 19:57

Those exam results are akin to the poorest of state schools that are also entirely non-selective but are free of charge. Honestly, I have no idea why you would pay that amount of money for a school that couldn't achieve better results than that.

Frodont · 04/02/2021 20:21

@MsSoulSister

Those exam results are akin to the poorest of state schools that are also entirely non-selective but are free of charge. Honestly, I have no idea why you would pay that amount of money for a school that couldn't achieve better results than that.
This.
SourMilkGhyll · 04/02/2021 20:33

I guess because at a 'poorest of state schools' you don't quite get some of the same opportunities.
The ocean going yacht. The school's own fire service complete with fire engine. And so on and so on.
It's a school about developing the individual. If you want some where that takes in children and moulds them into a particular shape then this is not the school to do that.
The school's motto is basically 'there's more in you than you realise' and the school totally lives to that.

Frodont · 04/02/2021 21:08

@SourMilkGhyll

I guess because at a 'poorest of state schools' you don't quite get some of the same opportunities. The ocean going yacht. The school's own fire service complete with fire engine. And so on and so on. It's a school about developing the individual. If you want some where that takes in children and moulds them into a particular shape then this is not the school to do that. The school's motto is basically 'there's more in you than you realise' and the school totally lives to that.
I mean, don't get me wrong, I pay a lot for private education, and ocean going yachts might be a fun experience but honestly? The schools own fire service? If old Gordstounians are getting good jobs it must be through nepotism.
Frodont · 04/02/2021 21:11

In fact I can't see how its possible for a private school with small class sizes and decently run academic system to get such bad results.

TH22 · 04/02/2021 21:19

Just as other food for thought (and sorry for throwing a spanner in the works), my husband works with an ex G teacher and they are frequently on the precipice of financial difficulty. He believes that the school will not be around without some serious funding to prop it up in the near future.
Just something to consider...

MsSoulSister · 04/02/2021 22:27

In fact I can't see how its possible for a private school with small class sizes and decently run academic system to get such bad results

This. They are impressively poor, given the huge advantages that they have.

MsSoulSister · 04/02/2021 22:29

The ocean going yacht

Buy your own boat instead of paying school fees and send your child to an average state school. Win win.

ladylagavulin · 07/02/2021 17:52

Just to say that as parents of a daughter at Gordonstoun we have absolutely no regrets about our decision. Everyone has their own opinion - we have an extremely introverted daughter who we would never have believed could be achieving what she has across all areas....we fully believe that had we chosen a class of 30 elsewhere she would have disappeared due to her personality and had major anxiety which had already shown itself. Forget the Ocean Spirit and the Fire Service (just one community service which could be allocated) - she hasn't even reached that stage yet....I'm talking about how she has flourished and whilst still introverted naturally she will not panic or run from challenge - play instruments to visiting parents, wants to go out and get a job, wants to set up her own business and is genuinely so happy in herself and well balanced. Staying power and adaptability as well as kindness is the focus...we know she is so lucky that she can go to this school and experience all it has to offer.

epicducklady · 09/02/2021 22:41

This reply has been deleted

Message withdrawn at poster's request.

ReluctantHomeschooler · 09/02/2021 22:48

One of my friends went to Gordonstoun. He is a member of a foreign royal family. He comes across as extremely well-educated, eloquent and with beautiful manners. I would say he is of average intelligence and has done reasonably well (2:2 degree and MBA) and works for a sovereign wealth fund.

He talks very fondly of his time at Gordonstoun and I would definitely consider it for my DC if I could afford it, based on his experience.

SomethingInTheWaySheCooks · 10/02/2021 08:48

*epicducklady We have also looked at this school. It’s good to hear some honest feedback. Are you able to expand on what you mean by ‘the type of pupils who attend’? Also perhaps you wouldn’t mind PMing me a little more about the drugs issue and particular house. Our dd is a middle of the road academic. I’m debating whether this school would suit her and whether she’d be motivated enough!

epicducklady · 10/02/2021 10:48

I will pm you! :)

By the type of pupils, I mean I think the low entry requirements and high fees have led to an environment where a lot of pupils have low expectations placed on them by their parents and therefore the school. Some of my dds friends have been expelled, or recommended to leave, from other schools and Gordonstoun takes them on. Which is great for them, and it does make transformations in some, but the general atmosphere isn't one where pupils are expected to push themselves to do better and achieve. Also for many university isn't the goal, so grades don't actually matter.

The vast majority of other schools in the same price bracket have common entrance requirements etc. and are more selective. So it does follow that many parents of children who could get into these schools would send them there. Not all of course; the ethos or location of Gordonstoun does appeal to some people, but generally I think it is the lower achieving pupils who end up at Gordonstoun. The teaching and lack of value put on academics emphasises the problem, and it ends up with what would be very poor results for any school, let alone one that has small class sizes and the money to spend on resources.

Gordonstoun does appeal to the parents of less academic pupils, due to the emphasis on extra curricular activities and the value placed on achievement in these areas as well as academics. Obviously some children will be really driven and achieve well, but honestly I think that minority would achieve anywhere if yswim?

It's not that you can't achieve there, but it would be easier elsewhere in my opinion.

SomethingInTheWaySheCooks · 10/02/2021 11:42

Thank you!

PresentingPercy · 11/02/2021 08:02

A 2:2 degree is not good enough for any decent grad scheme these days. Being a member of a Royal Family maybe swung this “job“ his way. The idea it’s on merit is laughable.

One thing that leaps out at me is DC getting A*AA but going on a course that requires ABB. That looks like poor university guidance to me. Or not needing to bother much. Most schools are open about destinations. My guess is they are not great.

The results are better than the average comp. I think posters missed that % quoted was 7-9 grades. Not 4-9 grades as most state schools would report. So ignore that. It’s not great as far as private schools go but if DC get value added then that’s ok. But is that enough for you?

You don’t seem to have many other options. It isn’t a school that would appeal to me, or importantly my DC. I let my DC have a big input into the boarding schools they attended. They were living there and were going to experience it on a daily basis, not me. If your DC prefers the life there over and above other options, and you are prepared for iffy academics, then go for it.

Academics would trump it for me though. The need to be with like minded academic children (not huge numbers) does make a difference to achievement and finding like minded DC to work with. Gordonstoun seems to have lots of diversions for the bright child, and it’s so remote, I think it’s difficult for DC to have a varied life outside school. By that I mean that our school organised trips to the London theatre, art trips too, cultural visits to other cities, loads of sports matches with other schools etc, inter school competitions where schools were not too far away. Gordonstoun makes its own life but you have not want other enrichments for your DC. It seems in a world of its own. My DC would have run a mile but academics mattered to us and being nearer to larger cities for cultural activities.

Cismyfatarse · 11/02/2021 08:10

My Dad used to support foreign parents in finding a boarding school for their kids. If he couldn't get them in anywhere else, he sent them to Gordonstoun. There are many, many better schools.

ReluctantHomeschooler · 11/02/2021 08:53

A 2:2 degree is not good enough for any decent grad scheme these days. Being a member of a Royal Family maybe swung this “job“ his way.

Most definitely. That wasn’t really my point. He arrived at Gordonstoun with patchy English, not particularly bright, so did well considering.

But it was the peripheral things: his beautiful manners and eloquence that were definitely a product of his schooling.

PresentingPercy · 11/02/2021 16:52

No. He did well because of his connections. That’s pretty obvious.

PresentingPercy · 11/02/2021 16:56

Manners and speaking well are often family traits. It is how dc are brought up. What is expected. I’ve found school has minimal influence on this. Children who have a certain “standing” to live up to are often well presented and are easy in the company of others. They are confident and know how to put others at their ease. It’s definitely an ability but not learnt at school I think.

Elij00 · 10/04/2021 04:51

With the death of the Duke, many are now just learning how good of a school Gordonstoun is. Whilst it might not be the most Academic of schools(not academically selective so little surprise here),it sure does produce well rounded individuals.

Also as a recipient of the Duke of Edinburgh award, the school has impacted my life in more ways than I could imagine.

Roonerspismed · 10/04/2021 05:11

Years ago a friend taught there and I visited a few times. He had live in accommodation.

I was impressed by what I saw and how the kids interacted generally. I think he has concerns that some of the international students were quite cut off from their parents though

Aspergallus · 01/05/2021 16:11

Can I resurrect this thread to ask if anyone knows how Gordonstoun accommodates kids with SEN?

I've been considering private education for one of my children, mainly to see him receive a more individualised education with better staff:pupil ratios than state education.

He is a very bright kid and would likely meet the thresholds for ability based scholarships, but he has really very severe ADHD and needs a lot of support with organising himself, keeping focussed etc.

I worry that he won't get the support he needs in state school. I live near Gordonstoun and nowhere near any other private school. I wouldn't consider boarding -he is developmentally immature (like many children with ADHD) and neither he (or we) could bear that, so other than moving house it's the only real alternative we can consider.