Dollar Academy Prospectus

Welcome to Dollar

Excellent all-round Scottish education in breathtaking surroundings. Don't be fooled by the traditional wrappings though - thanks to an inspiring Head, this school is front foot forward and is reaching for the stars."

The Good Schools Guide, 2025

Since 1818, Dollar Academy has been a place where young people discover their talents and realise their potential. Our aim is to provide an education that equips pupils not only with the knowledge and skills they need for academic success, but also with the character, integrity, and resilience that will serve them throughout their lives, whatever path they choose to follow.

I am extremely proud that in recent years the school has been named the European School of the Year 2025-26 by Education Insider and Scottish Independent School of the Year 2024-25 by The Sunday Times. The Care Inspectorate has described our provision as ‘sector-leading’ - a reflection of a community where young people thrive, feel valued, and throw themselves wholeheartedly into school life. Everything we do is grounded in our three key values: Work Hard, Get Involved, and Be Kind.

Our inspiring campus sits at the foot of the beautiful Ochil Hills, providing an exceptional environment in which to learn and grow. With an extensive range of subjects, a vibrant programme of co-curricular activities, excellent facilities and a warm, inclusive community, Dollar offers an education that supports both day and boarding pupils to flourish.

With a rich school culture that encourages individuality and ambition, every pupil can pursue their passions and shape their own journey. This approach nurtures enthusiasm, purpose and quiet confidence - qualities we value in all our pupils, from the Prep School through to Form Six.

I hope the pages that follow give you a meaningful introduction to our remarkable school. The best way to understand what makes Dollar so special, however, is to experience it first-hand, and we would be delighted to welcome you to our campus.

Ian Munro (Rector)

What makes Dollar so special?

Well connected country living

Dollar offers a well-rounded way of life. Nestled among green open spaces and the Ochil Hills, yet within easy reach of Scotland’s major cities, the school is just 20 minutes from Stirling, 30 minutes from Perth, and under an hour from Edinburgh and Glasgow.

A small school feel that's big on variety

As an all-through school with ages 5–18 on one campus, Dollar combines the warmth of a small community with the resources of a large school. Senior pupils naturally look out for younger ones, creating a friendly and familial atmosphere. Every child can discover something they are passionate about, and the school’s broad choice of academic subjects and co-curricular activities is unrivaled, ensuring that there is something to inspire everyone.

Traditional yet innovative

With over 200 years of history as the UK’s oldest coeducational day and boarding school, Dollar cherishes its traditions while embracing innovation. Our Futures Institute exemplifies our forward-thinking approach to teaching, learning, and staff development.

Rooted in Scotland, international in outlook

Dollar pupils gain globally recognised qualifications rooted in the Scottish education system, opening doors to higher education worldwide. The international dimension of the school is enhanced through trips and sporting tours (in 2025 Dollar pupils visited 15 countries across 4 continents), a varied exchange programme, and a vibrant student body representing over 35 nationalities.

There's a special mix of productive ambition and supportive camaraderie that comes from the school's ethos and its long history. We're grateful that our son can find stimulation and friendship daily in his peers, teachers, and houseparents."

J Mackay, Current Parent

The Prep School

A major factor in Harris's love for school and learning, I believe, comes from the specialised subjects he engages in. The ability to move around the wider campus, interact with a range of teachers who are experts in their fields, and feel part of the broader school community is hugely beneficial to the depth and breadth of his learning."

Current Parent

Dollar Academy’s Prep School is where young learners in Primary 1-5 embark on an exceptional educational journey. Here, we nurture curiosity, build foundational skills, and instill a lifelong love of learning. Small class sizes ensure that every child receives the attention and support they need to thrive. Dedicated teachers bring learning to life through a blend of traditional and innovative approaches.

Pupils enjoy early access to outstanding facilities, including science labs, art studios and a 25-metre swimming pool. These experiences enrich their learning and give them a taste of what is possible as they grow. Our aim is to foster academic success alongside confidence, creativity, and a strong sense of belonging within our vibrant community.

Strong academic foundations

At Dollar Academy, we are dedicated to inspiring young minds and to building the skills and values that will guide our pupils throughout their lives. Our Prep

School emphasises strong and effective teaching across core subjects including English, Mathematics, Health and Wellbeing, Science, Social Studies, and Technologies. By combining traditional methods with digital and interactive strategies, we ensure a wellrounded approach. High-quality teaching is supported through detailed planning, creative and engaging instruction, and continuous reflective assessment.

Discovering new passions

Participation in our co-curricular programme provides pupils with valuable opportunities to have fun in a welcoming environment and develop transferable skills that will support them through each stage of their education. The range of clubs offered in the Prep School is extensive and includes gardening, wildlife explorers, science, board games, drama, choir, orchestra, swimming, mindfulness, gymnastics, hockey, rugby, tennis, cricket, and football.

Carefully managed transition

Starting school is a significant milestone, and Dollar ensures a smooth transition through Come and Play sessions for pre-school children and collaboration with local nurseries. By the time pupils reach Prep 5, they are ready to embrace new challenges as they move to the Junior School. Teachers work closely together to ensure continuity in learning, providing a seamless handover and ongoing support.

Wrap Around Care

We understand that wrap around care is an important consideration for many families, and we offer a range of before and after school options to support our parents.

The Junior School

It's a big thing to move when they get to this age, and he was nervous about leaving his friends, but we felt the opportunities would be worth it. We knew it would be the stretch he needed academically, rather than being the 'forgotten middle' as he was at his old school, but what we hadn't anticipated is the boost in his confidence and overall demeanour that accompanied his move. Within a term, friends and family quietly noted to us that 'his head is up, his shoulders are back' - he wasn't unhappy previously, but he has blossomed at Dollar."

Current Parent

Our Junior School is home to two key year groups, Junior 1 (Primary 6) and Junior 2 (Primary 7), and provides a valuable bridge between the Prep and Senior Schools. Pupils spend half of their time with their class teacher and the other half with specialist teachers, exploring a wider curriculum. Time away from the classroom is equally valued through trips, enrichment activities and visits from external speakers. Junior 1 pupils enjoy a two-night trip to Largs, while Junior 2 pupils embark on a five-day adventure at Benmore in

Unparalleled academic preparation

The Junior School offers a hybrid timetable that blends lessons from class teachers in English, Mathematics, RME, PSE, and ICT with specialist teaching in Art, Music, PE, Modern Languages, Outdoor Learning, Laboratory Science, Home Economics, Computing, and Engineering, Design and Technology. Pupils explore History, Geography and Science in greater depth through “swap” subjects taught by specialist teachers within the Junior School, alongside Life Skills courses covering personal finance, careers and sustainability.

Developing transferable skills

Opportunities to build transferable skills are a key part of the Junior School experience. Our Junior 1 wildlife conservation project and Junior 2 Science Fair involve pupils investigating real-world problems and proposing their own solutions. Whilst it is not compulsory, almost all of our Junior pupils also participate in our co-curricular programme, fostering a well-rounded development and allowing children to explore their interests and build new skills. A vast range of lunchtime and after-school clubs are offered, including athletics, art, badminton, basketball, bookworms, choir, comic creating, cricket, dance, drama, fantasy football, gardening, golf, gymnastics, hockey, journalism, orchestra, pipe band, rugby, skiing, swimming and tennis.

Moving up to the Senior School

Careful transition planning ensures Junior 2 pupils enter Senior School feeling confident and familiar with the campus, staff, and their peers. Team-teaching, transition days and dedicated PSE sessions help make this a smooth and supportive process.

The Senior School

Unparalleled learning opportunities

Dollar offers the widest range of academic subjects in Scotland. Pupils explore a broad range of 17 subjects in the early Senior School years, before selecting seven or eight subjects for their National 5 qualifications in Form Three (S3) and then five subjects for Higher examinations in Form Five (S5). Form Six (S6) is the most flexible academic year with an extensive range of Highers and Advanced Highers available, as well as the ground-breaking International Sustainability Diploma, a fully accredited national qualification developed here at Dollar. We also offer specialist modules including Coding, Creative Thinking, Philosophy, Psychology, Forensic Science and Sports Leadership, and other accredited courses such as Costume Design, Cyber-Security and Travel & Tourism.

Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers are highly regarded both nationally and internationally, and Dollar offers more than 35 subjects at this level. Our pupils are ambitious and committed, and recent figures show they complete more Advanced Highers per pupil than anywhere else in Scotland. Our A-grade pass rates consistently sit between 65% and 75%, reflecting the hard work of our pupils and the expertise of our staff.

Learning at Dollar extends well beyond the set academic curriculum. Pupils are encouraged to embrace adventure and develop leadership - both of themselves and of others. When young people take ownership of their growth, they excel. By stepping into opportunities that stretch responsibility, they build a commitment to service, nurture creativity and strengthen problem-solving. As educators, our role is to provide rich experiences in which these skills and attributes can be practised and celebrated. A trusted, empowered school community routinely goes above and beyond for others, enabling pupils to collaborate, lead and

contribute in ways that build confident, compassionate agency for life.

Throughout the Senior School, experienced academic staff provide thoughtful guidance and support to help each pupil make the right subject choices. Unlike most schools that build their timetable around a fixed superstructure, we design the curriculum and timetable after pupils have chosen their subjects, ensuring that their needs come first.

Learning beyond the classroom

Learning is so much more than getting good exam grades, and with over 140 co-curricular clubs and activities available, it happens everywhere at Dollar.

Sport is a key part of life at Dollar, and we passionately encourage participation at every level. Dollar is one of Scotland’s leading rugby and hockey playing schools and has an established reputation for athletics, basketball, skiing, cricket, football, horse riding, tennis and golf, partnering with Gleneagles to offer an exceptional Golf Programme at their PGA Academy.

A Triathlon Programme is the latest sports offering –making the most of our sector-leading sports facilities and the beautiful landscape surrounding the school. Music and Art are also very popular, with 14 different choirs and orchestras, a World Championshipwinning Pipe Band and a superb art department with sector-leading fine art, photography, ceramics and fashion design provision. The Combined Cadet Force is one of the largest in the country, consistently winning national military skills, shooting and first aid competitions, and hundreds of pupils take part in the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme each year. Other popular clubs include Amnesty International, charities committee, climate committee, coding, debating, drama, economics, gardening, guitar building, journalism, musical theatre, robotics, Warhammer and Young Enterprise.

Form Six at Dollar

Form Six at Dollar Academy is a transformative stage where pupils develop the academic strength, independence and leadership skills needed to thrive beyond school. With exceptional opportunities for personal growth and achievement, Form Six equips pupils with the confidence and skills to succeed at university, in the workplace and in life beyond the school gates.

Academic Excellence and Choice

Form Six offers unrivalled academic flexibility, allowing pupils to shape a personalised programme that reflects their ambitions and interests. Students can study Highers and Advanced Highers, alongside the International Sustainability Diploma and a range of specialist modules in areas such as coding, philosophy, psychology, and medical physics. Many modules carry UCAS points, providing valuable recognition for university applications. This tailored approach enables pupils to deepen expertise, broaden horizons and reach their full academic potential.

Expert Guidance for University and Careers

Pupils benefit from outstanding support for university and career pathways. Dedicated UCAS advisors provide personalised guidance, while specialist preparation is available for competitive courses, including medicine, law, and Oxbridge applications. Mock interviews, careers advice and work experience placements help pupils gain insight into future opportunities, ensuring they are well prepared for the transition to higher education and the professional world.

Leadership and Personal Development

Leadership is at the heart of Form Six life. Pupils take on meaningful roles as prefects, mentors, ambassadors and members of leadership teams. They lead initiatives in sport, academics, wellbeing, charity and pupil representation, developing confidence, responsibility, and teamwork. These experiences empower students to make a positive impact within the school community and beyond.

Enrichment, Events and Community

Form Six pupils enjoy a vibrant programme of social, cultural and enrichment activities. From formal events such as Burns Supper, Prize Giving, and the Leavers’ Ball to Activities Week and themed celebrations, students create lasting memories while building essential life skills. Volunteering and charitable initiatives further strengthen pupils’ sense of social responsibility and global awareness.

Independence

As senior pupils, Form Six students enjoy greater independence, including dedicated spaces for study and relaxation and opportunities for independent learning. With increased freedom comes responsibility, helping pupils develop maturity, self-discipline, and readiness for life beyond school.

“It's like one big family. There’s a real spirit of ‘togetherness’. I’m sure the friendships I’ve made here will last a lifetime.”

Emma, Current Pupil

Health & Wellbeing at Dollar

We understand that a child’s overall health impacts their ability to learn and grow, and our pastoral system creates a positive, safe, and inclusive atmosphere where every pupil feels valued, supported, and ready to thrive.

In the Prep & Junior Schools, we place a strong emphasis on Health and Wellbeing as a cornerstone of each child’s development. Within a nurturing environment and a supportive curriculum, we strive to foster physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing, equipping pupils with essential life skills. Through activities that promote mindfulness, social connections, and physical activity, children are encouraged to develop resilience, empathy, and self-confidence.

In the Senior School, a strong network of Heads of Year and Form Tutors works closely with pupils to promote wellbeing, resilience and personal growth, while fostering a warm sense of belonging within the school community. This is complemented by the support of our school counsellor, who provides guidance to pupils when needed. Central to our approach are the Mental Health Ambassador and Peer Mentor programmes, which empower trained pupils to promote positive mental health, offer guidance and support to younger peers, and help build confidence and connection across the school. We also have a herd of therapet alpacas join us each summer.

Pupil voice is actively encouraged through our Pupil Council, where representatives contribute meaningfully through six committees: Mental Health and Wellbeing, Academic, Welcoming, EDI, Sustainability and Get Involved.

We are fortunate to have our own Nursing Centre on campus, open Monday to Friday during term time, from 8:30 until 5.00. The team of registered nurses attend to injury and illness amongst pupils and staff on site, and are responsible for the provision of vaccination programmes in line with National Health Service guidelines. They work in close conjunction with senior management and Guidance Staff with regard to pupil welfare, participate in the delivery of health-related topics in the School’s PSE programme, and support Dollar Academy’s Health and Wellbeing programme. We work in close partnership with families for all pastoral matters, ensuring that every pupil receives consistent care and encouragement throughout their time with us.

"It’s like one big “It’s

Boarding

All boarding houses were relaxed, warm and homely...there was an inspiring, supportive, and empowering culture within the school"

The Care Inspectorate, 2023

A Historic and Welcoming Boarding Community

Boarding lies at the heart of Dollar Academy’s identity and has done so for over two centuries. As the world’s oldest co-educational day and boarding school, we combine tradition with modern excellence, creating a distinctive environment where pupils feel supported, inspired and at home. We are proud that both the Care Inspectorate, and our pupils and parents, rate our standards of care as ‘sector leading’.

Inspiring Boarding Houses and Pastoral Care

Boarders live in characterful period houses that blend historic charm with contemporary comfort. Welcoming bedrooms, dedicated study areas and vibrant social spaces create an environment that supports both academic focus and social connection. Each house is led by experienced Houseparents, supported by tutors and pastoral specialists who provide close guidance and care, ensuring every pupil’s wellbeing and personal development are prioritised.

A Family Atmosphere and Strong Community

Boarding at Dollar is characterised by a warm, familylike atmosphere. All newcomers are welcomed with a programme of team-building events and are paired with a ‘buddy’ to help them settle socially. Boys and girls live in separate houses but are, of course, free to mix and enjoy the same freedoms as day pupils. Seniors usually have their own rooms, while younger pupils share with between one and three others.

Boarders integrate fully with day pupils and the local town, forming strong connections beyond the boarding houses and enjoying a vibrant social life in a safe rural setting. We welcome young people from all over the world and relish the richness this international dimension brings to our school. A few pupils choose to board only during the week, but most are full-time.

Busy Weekend Programme

There’s always something to keep our boarders entertained at weekends! Dinners, dances, paintballing, cinema and theme park trips, surfing and cooking provide just a few examples. Boarders can also make use of our sports and recreational facilities including the pool, the gym, the strength and conditioning suite and the sports hall.

"FIDA's bold approach to education places the student experience at the centre, providing critical opportunities to engage with industry and stakeholders beyond the classroom. This aligns closely with some of the recommendations I made in my report to the Scottish Government on a future vision for Scottish education and I am highly impressed with what the initiative aims to do."

Prof. Ken Muir, advisor to the Scottish Government on the replacement of the Scottish Qualifications Authority

At Dollar Academy, we don’t just prepare pupils for the future - we empower them to shape it.

Launched in 2021, the Futures Institute at Dollar Academy (FIDA) reimagines what education can be. Designed to extend and enrich our academic curriculum, FIDA challenges pupils to think beyond traditional subject boundaries and engage with the world as it is, and as it could be.

Through a dynamic programme of projects, workshops and courses, co-created with leading industry and university partners, pupils tackle real-world challenges anchored in the UN Sustainable Development Goals. They investigate problems, explore the evidence, test ideas and design innovative solutions.

FIDA nurtures the skills and attributes that our young people need in a fast-changing world: creative problem-solving, critical thinking, collaboration, communication and entrepreneurship. Above all, it inspires hope and agency - empowering young people to become the bold thinkers, innovators and changemakers of the future.

WATERWORKS (PREP)

Curiosity becomes a tool for innovation. Pupils investigate real-world water systems before moving into rapid design cycles. They prototype filtration systems, experiment with micro-hydropower, and refine their ideas through testing and feedback - learning happens through building, measuring and iterating.

TINY CHANGEMAKERS (PREP)

Our youngest learners don’t just make things, they make change. In fast-paced design sprints, pupils tackle playful but purposeful challenges: transforming discarded materials into imaginative solutions to everyday challenges, launching kindness campaigns that ripple through the school, and testing how small actions can create big impact. The message is clear: you are never too young to improve the world around you.

PLACE MAKERS (JUNIOR)

Pupils engage with authentic local challenges and work through a structured design cycle: empathise, define, ideate, prototype, refine. Whether reimagining wildlife habitats or revitalising the town centre, they collaborate with community stakeholders and develop solutions that are imaginative, feasible and rooted in research.

DATA DETECTIVES (JUNIOR)

Numbers tell stories - but only if we know how to read them. Pupils interrogate datasets on climate, health, and population change, learning to visualise trends, challenge assumptions and distinguish credible evidence from misinformation. This project builds statistical fluency, critical thinking, and ethical reasoning in a data-saturated world.

FIDA FOUNDATIONS IN SUSTAINABLE FUTURES (SENIOR)

A new accredited qualification for the mid-years of Senior School. Pupils identify a pressing issue on campus or in the local community - renewable energy, accessibility, assistive technologies - and move from concept to prototype. Projects are iterative, collaborative and publicly exhibited; the goal is tangible change.

SHELTER AND SANCTUARY (SENIOR)

In this part architecture studio part sustainability lab, pupils design lowimpact spaces that foster wellbeing and connection with nature. Through usercentred design, modelling and environmental analysis, they explore materials, energy use, and human experience - creating structures that are as thoughtful as they are sustainable.

FIDA INTERNATIONAL SUSTAINABILITY DIPLOMA (SENIOR)

A future-facing qualification designed around complex global challenges. Students conduct independent research, develop entrepreneurial solutions, and present their findings to authentic audiences. Fully accredited and UCAS tariff rated, the diploma cultivates systems thinking, innovation literacy and the confidence to lead sustainable change.

Scotland's most extraordinary teaching space

New ways of working demand a new kind of learning space. All our pupils, from our youngest children to the young adults in their final year, will spend time in our new world class Futures Institute – the home of our unique curriculum.

Designed by Dollar former pupil and award-winning architect Andrew Whalley OBE, our new Futures Institute building is a landmark in architectural and educational innovation. Within the dome, modern classrooms for learning and collaboration are integrated with science, engineering and digital prototyping labs, a maker space, a photography studio, exhibition areas and a lecture theatre where ideas can be presented and shared.

FIDA is demonstrating the enormous potential of a new way of working that will equip young folk with the skills they need to thrive and succeed in the modern workplace. I strongly support this ambitious and important plan."

Tim Allan CBE, Chair of the V&A Dundee and entrepreneur, investor and philanthropist

Next Steps

Visit Us

We’re delighted that you’re considering Dollar for your child. To really get a feel for life at the school, we encourage you to get in touch to arrange a personal tour. Term-time is ideal when you can see the school in action and get a sense of day-to-day life here. You will meet with a member of our Admissions team, take a tour with two of our senior pupils and have a chance to meet with senior members of our teaching staff. We realise that is not always possible though, and are very happy to welcome you at other times of the year, too. We hold an annual open day in early September and also offer taster days for prospective pupils.

Apply

Our admissions process welcomes children of all backgrounds and stages in their education. To apply, please complete the online application form located within the Admissions section of our website. Once we receive your form, we’ll then make arrangements for your child to take an entrance assessment. These usually take place in January, but can be arranged at a different time of the year if necessary.

For entry to the Prep School, Junior School and Form One, pupils will be invited to sit an assessment in school. Arrangements can be made for pupils who do not live locally to sit the examination under the supervision of their current schools. Pupils for entry to Form Two and above will be invited for an interview, either in person or on Zoom, with the Rector. We’ll let you know the result of the entrance assessment within two weeks.

Contact Us

We understand that choosing the right school for your family is an important decision. Our friendly and experienced admissions team are always available to help to guide you through the process. To arrange a visit, or for further information about the school or applications process, please contact:

Day Admissions: Amanda Clark registrar@dollaracademy.org.uk +44 1259 742511

Boarding Admissions: Elaine Gallagher rector@dollaracademy.org.uk +44 1259 742511

What is a Dollar education? As someone who spent six years at the school, you might think I could tell you, and yet I find it impossible to distil those six years into a single definition. Certainly, there are the outstanding examination results. And, yes, there is the vast campus with its world-class facilities for sport and a wealth of other extra-curricular pursuits, set in a beautiful corner of a beautiful country. And who could forget the inimitable, internationalist atmosphere fostered by the boarding community?

B

ut in my opinion, none of these (impressive though they are) quite capture what makes a Dollar education truly remarkable. Dollar does more than open doors or enable pupils to achieve what they once thought impossible. It’s a place where long-standing traditions coexist harmoniously with forward-thinking, cutting-edge innovation; it’s a close-knit community in which friendships extend across borders; and it’s an environment where the values of diligence, association and integrity are quietly but firmly instilled into all who walk through the bronze doors. Personally, what I found most special was not the obvious academic dimension, but rather what lay beneath the surface: the cultivation of a quiet confidence in pupils as they grow and mature.

S

o, what is a Dollar education? What makes Dollar, quite simply, Dollar? I’m still not entirely sure I can answer that question. But I do know this: it made me, and I’ll forever be grateful for that.