Frequently Asked Questions
MILITARY FAMILIES
As one of the best private schools in the world, we understand the importance of asking questions. If there’s anything you want to know, please ask. But, to save you some time, here are some of the most frequently asked questions.
| What will my children get at gordonstoun prep that's different to local schools? |
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| what does the prep school day look like? |
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| how many pupils are at there in the prep school? |
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120 |
| what is your mobile phone policy? |
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Prep pupils are not allowed to use mobile phones during the school day, but if you are boarding they will get to use it in the evenings and weekends to call home. Day pupils are not usually allowed to bring mobile phones to school. |
| how does gordonstoun help military families, beyond financial assistance? |
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As we are primarily a fully boarding school, declared ‘sector leading’ with ‘models of best practice’ for health and wellbeing, Gordonstoun has the experience, staffing, policies and procedures to ensure the best possible care for your children. Gordonstoun Military Members - This is a new offering and is a small, select council of current or former staff, parents or students who have served in the UK Armed Forces. The group exists to act as an informed, approachable and trusted point of contact for prospective military families exploring a Gordonstoun education and for our current military families when questions arise. Gordonstoun is a close knit community and we keep in close contact with families. We know our children, and our parents well, so when a parent is deployed,a move is imminent or something crops up unexpectedly, we can build a package to support your child. This might include sessions with our emotional guidance coach, supper with other military pupils, a mug of hot chocolate with the pastoral team or a catch up with your family’s Military Member. Close links to the communities at Nearby RAF Lossiemouth and Kinloss Barracks, ensuring that continuity and connection with military life, even when they are at school. |
| what curriculum does gordonstoun prep follow? |
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In line with the GCSEs and A Levels offered in the Senior School, Prep School children follow the English National Curriculum. For military families, this is particularly important as postings North and South of the border can be disruptive for educational continuity - by attending Gordonstoun your child won’t be required to repeat years or catch up when postings change your family’s location. |
| are day pupils integrated with boarders? |
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There are around 120 in our Prep School (age 4 ½ to 12) and 460 in our Senior School (age 13 to 18). It means we’re large enough to deliver our unique philosophy of education but small enough for everyone to know each other. Prep day pupils are ably supported by the Day Pupils' Co-ordinator who plays a key role in ensuring a high level of pastoral care for our day pupils and creates an important liason between parents and the school. In the Senior School, all day students are allocated a room in the boarding house, just as our boarders are. In the house all students are supported by the House Parent, Assistant House Parent, Matrons, Key Stage Leaders and Tutors. The diversity of our student body is one of our strengths and is why we are known for our close-knit community. |
| where do i get school uniform from? |
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Much as we value diversity at Gordonstoun, a little uniformity is often helpful too. Available online from School Blazer, our distinctive uniform is something students are proud to wear. It can be ordered anytime, from anywhere, via the bespoke Gordonstoun pages, making it easy to find the right uniform for your child’s year group. All uniform is delivered within 3 working days and can be delivered to your home or the School. An 'intelligent sizing system' helps ensure garments fit first time, allowing room for growth. Returns are free and there is a second-hand section on the School Blazer website to buy and sell items. Please ensure that your child has all the compulsory items on our uniform lists which can be found below or via the tab on the School Blazer shopping pages. There is a range of optional additional items too. We do recommend that your child has a pair of wellies. Boarders will need to bring a selection of casual clothes and can choose to bring items such as their own duvet covers – see our uniform guides for details. |
| we live far away, so does my child have to go away at leave out weekends? |
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Students who live further afield can go to a local guardian or many choose to stay at school for the leave out weekend - there are usually two of these weekends every term. There is always a fire crew at the school, staffed by students doing their community service. |
| i see you don't have open days, how can i come for a visit? |
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We believe one-to-one visits give families a better insight into life here. Please phone the admissions office to arrange a talk and tour any morning that suits you during term time – except Sunday. Tel: 01343 837829 |
| how do i get to gordonstoun? |
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Our beautiful location in the Moray countryside is peaceful, but not remote. We are easily accessible from Aberdeen or Inverness airports, by train to Elgin or by car. |
| can you cater for different educational needs? |
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We know children grow and learn at different rates. That’s why we have an experienced Learning Support Department with friendly, helpful staff who encourage, challenge and motivate pupils to embrace and master new challenges. Our English as an Additional Language Department also helps pupils who don’t speak English as their first language to develop their written and spoken language skills. |
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