IT is most famous as the Home of Golf but St Andrews, the seaside town in the Kingdom of Fife, is also know for its role as a pioneer in the education sector, having been founded at St Andrews School for Girls in 1877.

Today, the renowned, award-winning St Leonards is co-educational – it opened its doors to boys for the first time in 1999 – and prides itself on its global outlook as an all-through International Baccalaureate (IB) school. It is very much a multinational school and currently has about 550 pupils from all over the world.

St Leonards St Leonards Visitors to St Andrews exploring the town often wonder what lies ‘behind the wall’ of the school which is just a few minutes’ walk from the town centre with its vibrant shops, restaurants, beaches, university and historic buildings. The town is also a safe environment for its pupils who integrate well with the local community.

St Leonards, which will celebrate its 150th anniversary in 2027, was named Scottish Independent School of the Year for Academic Performance 2024 by The Sunday Times. It was the newspaper’s Scottish Independent School of the Year in 2019 and, in 2022, was recognised as Independent School of the Year 2022 for International Student Experience.

MORE NEWS | Developing the whole child at Morrison’s Academy

The school culture is very importantThe school culture is very important

Like other independent schools, St Leonards strives to bring out the best in each pupil by nurturing them, encouraging them to identify and achieve personal goals, developing their skills, and instilling and fostering empathy, an open mind and an adventurous spirit. Its motto is Ad Vitam – preparing students for life.

While academic performance is important at St Leonards, the school has a reputation for sport and music. Indeed, it is known as the “cradle of women’s lacrosse” and accommodates a plethora of sports, from rugby, football, hockey, tennis, watersports and swimming, equestrian and badminton to athletics, cricket, rifle shooting and more.

Kids get to the chance to be outdoorsKids get to the chance to be outdoors

Of course, being located in St Andrews – there’s golf! St Leonards Golf Academy is renowned across the world as one of the finest golfing schools and a specialist programme, delivered in partnership with St Andrews Link, provides access to superb courses including the world-famous Old Course.

Meanwhile, boarding facilities are outstanding. There are currently about 185 boarders who are accommodated in Bishopshall, St Rule and Ollerenshaw houses, all of which offers a ‘home from home’ for pupils.

Every pupil who arrives at St Leonards is assigned an ‘Island’ – rather like school houses. These are Harris, Mull, Lewis and Skye. For very young pupils, the allocation process is similar to the ‘Sorting Hat’ in the Harry Potter books and films, making it a fun experience.

Prospective parents and pupils looking to explore both day and boarding options can attend an Open Weekend on October 5 and 6 when there will be an opportunity to speak to the Head of St Leonards, Simon Brian. For further information, contact registrar@stleonards-fife.org.