Gordonstoun is a GCSE / A-Level / BTEC school in Elgin, United Kingdom. It serves 515 students.
Explore This School
Location & getting here
Remote Highland location in north-east Scotland with a peaceful rural setting, roughly 2.5 hours from Edinburgh and Glasgow international airports.
Nearest airports
Framed for international families — drive times are from the school, not the city centre.
| Airport | Distance | Drive from school | International note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Edinburgh | 64 km | ~93 min | EDI — Scottish gateway |
| Manchester | 236 km | ~317 min | MAN — Northern gateway; global connections |
| Birmingham | 343 km | ~456 min | BHX — Midlands gateway |
NanaSays Scorecard
Key Details
Scholarships Available
Key facts
About
Gordonstoun is a full boarding co-educational school on a 200-acre woodland estate in Scotland that combines academic rigour with holistic personal development. It is the birthplace of both the Outward Bound Movement and the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, and offers a unique curriculum emphasizing outdoor education, expeditions, and sail training alongside traditional academics.
School data verified by NanaSays. Last updated: April 2026.
What Makes This School Different
Academic Results
Admissions
| Entry point | Assessment | Assessment date | Registration deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Year 9 (Senior School entry) | Interview, current school report, referee, passport copy, and academic assessments in Maths, English, Verbal Reasoning, Non-Verbal Reasoning, or English as Additional Language as required | — | — |
How to apply
- Complete online registration form
- Student assessed for tailored academic programme
- Student invited for interview
- Provide current school report, referee details, and copy of passport
- Complete additional academic assessments if required
- Final review by Principal's Office
- If successful, deposit and signed contract required to secure place
What you'll need to submit
- Online registration form
- Current school report
- Referee details
- Copy of passport
Open events
- One-to-one visits arranged during term time (except Sundays)
Admissions contact: [email protected], Tel: 01343 837829 or 01343 837837
No open days held; families schedule personalized visits with admissions office any weekday morning during term. School emphasises one-to-one approach to help families understand Gordonstoun's character-focused education.
Why Families Choose
- Birthplace of Outward Bound Movement and Duke of Edinburgh's Award
- World-beating outdoor education programme
- Expeditions and sail training on 80ft school sailboat
- Holistic education across intellectual, emotional, physical and spiritual dimensions
- Community service as core programme component
- True full boarding school with seven-day integrated community
Boarding Life
Located on a 200-acre woodland estate in North Scotland with comprehensive facilities including expansive sports centre, drama and dance centre, and music studios. Seven-day programme ensures student engagement and integration.
Full Boarding
Student Life
Facilities & Programmes
Student Demographics
School Background
Independent
Birthplace of Outward Bound MovementBirthplace of Duke of Edinburgh's Award
Connor Roe, Old Gordonstounian, helped rescue 12 boys from the Tham Luang cave in Thailand.