Gordonstoun vs Glenalmond

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Hi!

My ds has places at both these schools for sixth form, and we have to make a decision now!

He prefers Gordonstoun, but i'm worried that it's not very caring and quite tough? He hasn't boarded before and it would be really full on.

However Glenalmond doesn't have an actual intake into sixth form whereas Gordonstoun does, so it might be difficult to make friends. He said when he visited they talked about going to prep school together etc.

To be honest I think he's been influenced a little by Gordonstoun, he went for more time than Glenalmond and it was very intense with lots of presentations and talks on all the once in a lifetime opportunities etc.

Anyone with experience or opinions on either of these schools would be really appreciated!! It's a big decision and we want to get it right.

Thank you!!

Hi. All my 3 have been through Gordonstoun. I have a girl and two boys and they are all very different personalities. My daughter is quiet, gentle, not particularly sporty but into drama. Both my sons are sporty, one is academic and quite introverted and the other is not very academic and very outgoing. All 3 of them loved Gordonstoun and would say their experience was definitely positive. For all that the curriculum incorporates lots of outdoorsy activities and may seem quite extreme and daunting they are delivered in a very accessible and sensitive way. I always felt that my children were safe and well cared for and there was never any harsh treatment. Yes, they are challenged but never beyond their ability. If your child is wants to go to Gordonstoun then I would certainly follow their wishes. It is a very inclusive school with a great atmosphere for both students and visiting parents. Don’t believe all the hype about cold showers and more runs...Prince Charles left over 50 years ago...things have changed!! For your info, all my chyhave left in the last 5 years.

*morning runs
**children have

Hello – I read your message and thought I would let you know our experience of Gordonstoun in case it helps you decide.
We have twins – dd and ds – and they both started at Gordonstoun in the Sixth form this September. We spent a long time working out what would be the best school for them as they hadn't boarded before.
They both really liked their visit to the school when they went there to look at it, and I can safely say they have both settled in really quickly ... literally within a matter of days.
For us, there was a real advantage in them being part of a new 6th form intake which Gordonstoun has (not sure if Glenalmond does, I don't think so) I know that the school works really hard to make sure new students are integrated quickly. We also liked the fact that because there were a good number of new students going into each house they wouldn't feel alone and "the-only-new-ones", which was massively important for us.
So far they are settling down well into the first term of the A Levels syllabus. They chosen different subjects, but both say that if there are areas that they aren't comfortable with they have a good tutoring system and subject clinics.
The twins are very different people. Gordonstoun has been brilliant because they are both able to do such a huge variety of different activities. The opportunity for them to go on expeditions, take part in sail training and join the school services is very very appealing.
I think that the image that Gordonstoun is “tough” is actually really dated, and you can tell that the school moved away from that ages ago. We notice that they really care about the students’ welfare, and there seems to be a lot of pastoral staff in the boarding houses and are there to support our dd and ds.

Finally, thought the admission department were excellent. We had A LOT of questions and they really made sure that they answered them all. I was hardly off the phone whilst we were deciding, and they were very open and detailed. So… I really hope this helps you ... and wish you good luck!

Glenalmond definitely!!!! My DS is there and my DD is counting the days until she can go too. Pupils do start in 6th form. Choice of A levels or full range of Highers means pupils can choose their preferred curriculum. Great location and near loads of other schools within an hour if you like sports fixtures nearby and don't have to spend too much time travelling to see other schools. Wonderful countryside location and the piping, music and drama is amazing too. My kids won't look at anywhere else! Good luck with your decisions!