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Autumn 2025

Strathallan News

Featured Strathallan pupils collect over 1,500 food items to support Perth families in need Strathallan School’s Harvest Service appeal saw over 1,500 cans and long-life food items donated to Perth Food Bank.

Overseen by the student-led Charities Committee, the drive called for urgent food items to make up the Food Bank’s three-day food parcels to support families in need in the Perth and Kinross area. Donations have been flooding in from Houses following the school’s Harvest Service, where the school’s Chaplain, Rev Jonny Wylie encouraged everyone to get behind those who need help most.

local community.”

Matthew H, who helped load and unload the donations, said, “It feels good to help. With the cost of living crisis, it feels nice to be able to give some people locally peace of mind, knowing that they might not have to worry about food for a while. We’re very privileged to be in the situation we are, and it’s right that we share that privilege with our neighbours and

Perth Food Bank is part of The Trussell Trust’s network of 428 foodbanks, working to tackle food poverty and hunger in local communities. Helping deliver the donations from the School, Emma K, who said this is a timely reminder of how small actions can add up to a big impact: “At this school we know we’re very lucky to have all the resources we need, and I think just being able to share what we can with people who maybe don’t have the same opportunities is a privilege in itself.” Over 90% of the food distributed by Perth Food Bank comes from donated items. Strathallan’s 1,500 donated tins and packets of long-life food will be incorporated into nutritionally balanced emergency food for those who need it in the local community.

Third Form Pupils Plant Historic Elms Third Form pupils joined Mr Kent and the John Muir Group to plant two historic trees as part of The Bigger Picture programme. Together, they planted two British elms - the first to be rooted at Strathallan in many years.

Once a familiar sight across the UK, British elms were almost wiped out by disease 50 years ago. Their return is especially meaningful here at Strathallan, which was once an arboretum and remains home to a wide variety of diverse and historic tree species. These elms form part of our ongoing planting initiative, which has already seen over 1,030 trees planted last year and 677 so far this year by students and staff.

Sophie Named Tayside’s Most Promising Tennis Junior

Strathallan School pupil Sophie D was named Most Promising Junior at the Tennis Tayside Awards held in Dundee. Sophie has enjoyed an outstanding year on court, representing the District at U14 and U15, the North of Scotland at U14 and U18, and competing across the UK in Tennis Europe events, British Tours, and Grade 1 tournaments. Her impressive season includes notable wins at Chatsworth, Northumberland, and Tennis World Middlesbrough, among many others. Reflecting on her award, Sophie said, “I am very happy to receive this award. I’ve had a good year on court, and I’ve really enjoyed it. I have competed hard throughout the year, with one of my highlights being my performances at the Scottish National Championships where I played in my first national singles final.” Director of Strathallan Tennis Academy, Tommy Ogilvie added, “This is a well-deserved recognition of all the hard work and dedication Sophie continues to show. As a school we are incredibly proud of her achievements and we will continue to drive her on towards her goals in 2026. Well done, Sophie.” Sophie’s success follows in the footsteps of fellow Strathallan student Thomas D, who received the same honour in 2024 and continues recent achievements of Strathallan’s tennis stars.

Perthshire’s Young Artists of the Year

Three Strathallan students have been recognised for their creativity and hard work at this year’s Perthshire Schools Art Awards, earning three of the five prizes presented at the ceremony in Perth’s Civic Centre. Natalia M was awarded First Place in the Senior category for her expressive portrait inspired by her grandmother, exploring age and the contrast of striking textures on a single face. Eric H, also in the Senior category, was named Runner-Up for his imaginative mech sculpture, a piece that grew from his passion for video games and character design. Anna B received Runner-Up in the Intermediate category for her work, which explored the composition and structure of a flower. Head of Art, Mr Glancy, expressed his pride in the trio and the wider department, highlighting not only their talent but their dedication to the creative process. He said, “What makes this success so meaningful is the way they approach their work with curiosity, imagination and a real willingness to take risks. They try new ideas, they fail, they try again, and that’s where the breakthroughs happen. Seeing Natalia, Eric and Anna recognised is wonderful, but it also speaks to the positive, encouraging culture our young artists create in the studio every day.”

St Andrew’s College Scholar

Duke of Edinburgh

Now an honorary member of our own Simpson House, Tom experienced the Strath way of life for a few days — from lessons to cricket training and everything in between.

Despite a few weather challenges, they kept spirits high and even monitored how morale shifted with time, route, weather, and food along the way. A huge well done to all – you should be so proud of your achievement!

This term, we were honoured to welcome Tom, St Andrew’s College’s Robert Burns Scholar, as he continued his tour of Scotland.

Catching up with him after Assembly on Friday, Tom said, “It’s been amazing to see how different Scotland is to New Zealand and Christchurch. It’s been great to see all these old buildings and make new friends. I’m looking forward to seeing even more of Scotland on the rest of my trip.” Thank you for visiting, Tom — we wish you all the best for the rest of your Scottish adventure. Always a Simpson.

Over four days, our Gold DofE group hiked from near Ruthven Barracks in Kingussie to Blair Atholl, taking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Cairngorms!

Strathallan Launches “CEA + 10%” to Support Armed Forces Families

Strathallan School is delighted to announce the launch of a new Continuity of Education Allowance + 10% (“CEA + 10%”) scheme for families serving in His Majesty’s Forces. From September 2026, personnel in receipt of the full CEA will see their parental contribution capped at just 10% of the full boarding fee. Headmaster Mr Mark Lauder said, “Strathallan has a rich history with the military, and has welcomed children of serving personnel since our earliest years. We are as committed today as we were then to recognising the sacrifices made by those who serve, and to making a Strathallan education as accessible as possible to military children.” With decades of experience supporting the children of Armed Forces families, Strathallan understands the unique challenges of military life, from frequent relocations to long deployments and family separation. “We understand the anxieties of separation, the challenges of change and the pressures of military life,” adds Mr Lauder. “Our sector-leading pastoral care includes a dedicated team that specialises in supporting children from military families, ensuring they thrive academically, socially and emotionally.” By introducing the CEA +10 % model, the school now offers one of the most generous fee-support structures for military families in independent boarding education.

Strathallan Celebrates Double Success on the National Netball Stage

Strathallan School is celebrating a double success as two of its talented Netball Sports Scholars have been selected for the Scotland U19 and U17 long squads for the 2025/26 season. Sixth Form scholar Freya S has secured her place in the U19 squad, while Fifth Form scholar Harriet R has earned selection into the U17 squad. Both athletes have been key players in Strathallan’s thriving Netball programme and will now continue their journeys on the national stage. Louisa Walker, Director of Netball at Strathallan, said: “We are incredibly proud of both Freya and Harriet for their well-deserved selections into the Scotland U19 and U17 long squads. Their work ethic and passion for netball is inspiring to everyone involved in the Strathallan Netball programme, and this recognition at national level is a testament to their continued commitment and talent. We look forward to supporting them as they take this exciting next step in their netball journeys.” Harriet said, “Being selected for the U17 Scotland long squad feels like an incredible honour and achievement. It’s exciting to know all the hard work, training, and commitment has been recognised at such a high level, and it brings a real sense of pride to represent your country. At the same time, there’s a mix of nerves and determination, knowing the journey ahead will be challenging but also full of opportunities to learn, grow, and push yourself further alongside talented teammates.” Freya said, “It’s such an honour to be a part of the Scottish pathway and to represent my country as part of the U19 squad. I’m really excited for the season ahead. I’ve been playing netball since Primary 7 and joined the Scottish pathway at U15s, making my debut at the NPL tournament in Wolverhampton. I went on to develop with the U17 squad and became a training partner for the Netball Europe squad. At the end of the 24/25 season, I was privileged to be named vice-captain for the NPL tournament against English and Welsh pathway teams. I’ve played for Angus District throughout my whole netball journey and I’m very grateful for their support as I continue my development with Scotland for the 25/26 season.”

Outstanding Performances at Strathallan’s Annual Show Jumping Competition Nearly 200 rounds of show jumping, 15 schools, and five riding clubs came together on 16 November at Howe Equestrian Centre in Fife for Strathallan School’s annual Open Team and Individual Show Jumping Competition.

The event brought riders of all ages and abilities into the spotlight, creating a brilliant day of competition, camaraderie, and sporting spirit. Across nine hours of jumping, competitors demonstrated exceptional skill and sportsmanship. Strathallan riders shone throughout the day, earning top placings across multiple classes. Strathallan Successes Strathallan pupils delivered impressive results, with the school securing placings in every height category entered. Highlights included: 1st – Class 4 (90–95cm) Teams A standout performance saw Strathallan take the top spot in the highest class of the day, with Olivia K also finishing 3rd in the individual competition. 2nd – Class 2 (70–75cm) Teams Consistency and composure earned the team a strong second-place finish, supported by Eva S who rode to 4th individually. 3rd – Class 1B (60–65cm) Teams Another excellent effort from our younger riders, with Anna M placing 6th individually. 4th – Class 1A (50–55cm) Teams A great result for many of our developing riders competing in the first class of the day. 5th – Class 3 (80–85cm) Teams A competitive class with large entries, completed with determination and solid teamwork. Strathallan’s Equestrian Coordinator praised the commitment and enthusiasm shown by all riders, many of whom competed in multiple classes throughout the day.

Say hello to Mr James Lugton – our new Year 6 Teacher!

We are delighted to welcome Mr James Lugton to the Prep School. Originally from Edinburgh, Mr Lugton studied at St Andrews University before completing his PGCE at Cambridge. With a varied teaching background and over ten years living in Perthshire (across two spells), he brings a wealth of experience to the classroom. Beyond his passion for teaching and English literature, Mr Lugton enjoys rugby, squash and golf and is looking forward to coaching the U11 rugby team. He has already found both staff and pupils to be incredibly welcoming and says it is a privilege to be part of the Strathallan community. “I am very much looking forward to being fully involved both inside and outside of the classroom,” he said. Welcome to the #StrathFamily!

World Champions

Over the summer, our students and staff delivered world-class performances at the World Pipe Band Championships in Glasgow. Inveraray & District Pipe Band – featuring our Mr Craig Muirhead (Director of Scottish Culture and Traditional Music), Strathallian John Dew (Freeland), and supported across the season by our piping instructor Ian Duncan and pupil Harry T – were crowned back-to-back Grade 1 World Champions. Mr Muirhead said, “It’s such a high standard in Grade 1, so it’s just great to perform well, and put yourself in the mix for a prize. But it’s extra special to be read out as the winning band.” Meanwhile, Calum B and The Vale of Atholl Pipe Band (Grade 4A) were crowned Champion of Champions in their grade. He said, “It was very cool, a highlight of all the work we put in over the summer and a great way to end the season. I think this year it would be great to get some top sixes and continue to help grow the band.” These results capped off an incredible season, coming hot on the heels of the European Championships in Perth, where Calum, Harry, Mr Muirhead and Rory M all enjoyed standout success. A huge congratulations to everyone involved – what a summer for Strathallan pipers and drummers! Here’s to the season and sessions ahead.

We are thrilled to welcome Kathy Taylor to the Support for Learning team

Bringing with her a background in English teaching and a developing specialism in dyslexia, Kathy adds even more experience and enthusiasm to our fantastic Support for Learning department. Her journey to the classroom has been anything but ordinary before teaching, Kathy served in the RAF and worked as a commercial litigator for an international law firm in London, experiences she often draws on to inspire and support her pupils. She has also been a House Mistress and is now delighted to be a tutor in Woodlands House, where she will support our day and boarding community. Beyond the classroom, Kathy is passionate about sport and the outdoors, whether that’s skiing, climbing mountains or tackling an orienteering course. She’s already making an impact as part of the Strathallan CCF and through coaching junior sport. Reflecting on her first few weeks, Kathy said, “I thrive on variety, so Strathallan has felt like a good fit for me so far.” 7

Ending Term on a High Note!

Enjoy Hark! the Herald Angels Sing from our Carols by Candlelight, an evening filled with music, light and community spirit. We are so grateful to our musicians, staff and our #StrathFamily for an uplifting and stirring evening. Directed by Jeff Wilson Recorded, mixed & mastered by Fraser Christie Filmed by Henry B Assistant Audio Tech by Surina C

Meet the new Captains of School

We are delighted to announce our Captains of School for the year ahead. Chosen for their leadership, dedication and commitment to Strathallan, they are looking forward to working with staff and pupils to make a positive impact across all areas of school life. Farrah C, Captain of School, said, “I’m really honoured to be selected as Captain of School. Together with the school leadership team, I hope to make a positive impact. We’re here for all pupils, new and current, so please don’t hesitate to come and speak to us.” Ben W, Captain of School, told us, “This is a really exciting opportunity, and I want to make sure the school continues to build on its momentum. I’m looking forward to playing my part in what’s ahead.” Vice-Captain of School, Henry C, added, “I’m very proud to have been appointed as Vice-Captain of School. I’m especially looking forward to contributing through rugby, music, and in the classroom, and to making a positive difference in school life.” Natalie DCT, Vice-Captain of School, commented, “I’m really excited to take on this role and I want to help shine a light on our incredible music and drama departments, as well as supporting the wider school community.”

We’re proud to be recognised in the Tatler Schools Guide 2026!

As Tatler puts it, “the breadth of opportunity is fabulous” from Olympic-level sports academies and every pupil up to 15 playing for a team, to our Strathallan Studios where pupils record original music with professional producers. Our “facilities and surroundings are staggering” too, with 550 new trees and wildflower meadows planted. Above all, “teaching staff are praised across the board” for their enthusiasm - something our families and pupils feel every day in classrooms, studios, and on the sports pitches. For over a hundred years, Strathallan has believed every pupil should be known as an individual - it’s about the whole child, and we’re delighted Tatler agrees.

Christmas Jumper Day

A massive thank you to everyone at Strathallan who donned their festive finest for Christmas Jumper Day. We had fun wearing our woolly wonders and, most importantly, raising funds for our new charity partner, Team Jak. For those unfamiliar, Team Jak supports children and young people with cancer, their families, and friends, providing them with emotional, social, and practical help through their ‘Jak’s Dens.’ This vision came from Jak Trueman, a wonderful young man who wanted a special safe haven for others facing cancer.

Whole School Assembly

Our whole school assembly in October marked the first time our Senior and Prep School authorities have shared the stage and been photographed together since the launch of the Prep School in 2020. A powerful reminder, on World Mental Health Day, of the importance of community, connection and being there for one another. At Strathallan, we’re proud to celebrate leadership that lifts others up and a school spirit that reminds us no one stands alone.

Celebrating our Heads of Houses

Our Houses are at the heart of life at Strathallan - It’s where both day and boarding pupils can feel at home, build friendships that last a lifetime, and grow into confident young people. Each house is supported by a dedicated team of Housemasters or Housemistresses, Matrons, tutors and domestic staff, and strengthened by the leadership of our Heads of Houses.

Big Sleep, Big Vibes

From games, laughs, snacks and Big Chapel. The first Saturday of the term started with lessons and sport and ended with the ultimate whole senior school sleepover. The perfect start to a new year.

This year, we are proud to introduce the pupils who will lead their houses with energy, compassion and commitment: Freeland House – Fin R-D Thornbank House – Orlagh P-H Nicol House – Max R Glenbrae House – Jess H Simpson House – Max E Woodlands House – Isla C Ruthven House – Ben B We can’t wait to see the positivity, pride & leadership they bring to their houses in 2025!

Settling into Thornbank

We caught up with our new Housemaster of Thornbank, Mr Jason McAuley, and his wife Emma, as they opened the doors of Thornbank House to welcome our senior girls. Over the last four years, Jason has been a pioneering Director of Music at the School, the driving force behind highlights like the Big Sing. Now, he’s taking on a fresh challenge: “It was difficult to leave a role as Director of Music that I loved, but I’m excited to step into a more pastoral role, supporting pupils on their journey through school. I feel very invested in Strathallan, three of our six children have studied here, and I’m looking forward to helping create a community where every girl feels supported and at home.” Working alongside him is his wife Emma, a primary school teacher, who shares his passion for supporting young people. Jason added, “It’s a privilege to work in partnership with Emma in this new chapter. Our unofficial motto for the House is ‘Ohana’ - family. And family means nobody gets left behind.” Here’s to a new era for Thornbank, with Ohana at its heart.

Building on the Simpson Legacy

We are delighted to welcome Mr Ian Barrett as the new Housemaster of Simpson House, alongside his wife, Viktoriia, and their much-loved tri-paw dog, Dimple. Ian, who has been Head of Design Technology at Strathallan for the past four years, said, “It’s an honour and a privilege to be the Housemaster of Simpson.” “It’s everything I expected it to be. The first weekend has been super exciting and I’m really looking forward to the year ahead. I want to continue the legacy that has made Simpson House so successful, while making sure the boys feel this is a place they want to be and to be proud that they are part of the best House in the School.” He added that his passion for Design Technology hasn’t faded, “I’ll continue in my role as Head of DT, expanding opportunities for pupils and opening up new horizons, including weekend projects with boarders from all Houses.” Viktoriia, who works as a Support Teacher at Forgandenny Primary, is equally excited, “When I’m not working, I want to be here for the boys.” Together, Ian, Viktoriia, and Dimple are looking forward to making Simpson House a home full of pride, opportunity, and belonging.

Meet Our New Graduate Assistants & Resident Tutors! We’re delighted to welcome back some familiar faces and introduce new ones as part of our Boarding and Graduate Assistant team this year:

Jamie Gibson - A former Strathallan pupil who left five years ago, Jamie is now teaching Business Studies at Strathallan. He returns to join Ruthven House as Resident Tutor. Blair Mackenzie - Returning after four years, Blair takes up the role of Graduate Assistant and Resident Tutor in Simpson House, supporting Mr Ian Barrett in his new role as Housemaster. Jennifer Mackenzie -Joining Freeland House as Resident Tutor and Graduate Assistant, Jennifer brings expertise in Strength & Conditioning and Athletic Development, working alongside Mr Webb to support our expanding programme. Myfi Heydtmann - Taking over as Resident Tutor in Thornbank, Myfi will also be working in Music, Theatre and Drama, supporting the creative life of the School. We’re excited to have them all on board and look forward to the energy, expertise and enthusiasm they’ll bring to life at Strathallan!

Wellbeing in action! Movember

Proud of our students and staff for opening up, supporting each other, and raising awareness of men’s mental health this Movember.

Our new Wellbeing Ambassadors began their journey with training from The Lighthouse for Perth. They are now even more ready to support, listen, and make a real difference across the school community!

Lest we forget

We pause to reflect on the courage, dedication and selflessness of those who protected, and continue to protect, our freedom. Special thanks to our Captains of School and School Authority, Rev Jonny Wylie, our Headmaster Mark Lauder, Mrs Kathy Taylor, and our bugler Ben W. and piper Fergus G, as well as the Strathallan CCF and Banner Party, for their role in today’s tribute. It was especially moving to see one of our pupils, Isla C, wearing her great-great-grandfather’s medals for his actions in the First and Second World Wars, as she laid one of the 58 poppies, in honour of our fallen former pupils and WO2 (RQMS) Harry Crawford Campbell.

Santa Dash

Santas from Strathallan were dashing through Perth for a great cause. Thornbank's Upper Sixth and Staff took part in the 5km Santa Dash, raising funds for TeamJak. It was a fantastic day filled with fun, festive spirit, and community support.

Great Scottish Run

A massive well done to Emily P, who ran the half-marathon at the Great Scottish Run in Glasgow in support of the Mental Health Foundation! What an incredible effort for a fantastic cause - we’re all so proud of you, Emily!

Welcome to our world

On European Day of Languages, our students have been celebrating the many voices and cultures that make up our community. From the Modern Languages department to conversations across campus, you can hear a rich tapestry of languages every day. From Finnish to Catalan, and many more in between, how many can you hear?

The Schools Index Schools to Watch list 2025

We are delighted to be named in The Schools Index Schools to Watch list 2025 Thank you to all our #StrathFamily, students, staff, parents and alumni - who continue to help us create #GameChangingEducation in Scotland.

Game-Changing Exchanges at Strathallan

This term, we’ve been privileged to welcome exchange pupils from Australia, New Zealand, and South Africa, who have thrown themselves into every opportunity and enriched life across the school. As they prepare to return home, both our Headmaster and our Director of Strathallan Rugby Academy reflected on what these experiences mean. Headmaster Mark Lauder said: “What a great bunch! Our exchange pupils this term have settled in brilliantly, making the most of their time at Strathallan. It was a real pleasure to host them in my study and hear about their experiences — what they’ve learned, what surprised them, what they’ve missed, and what they will carry forward from their time here. From the feedback of parents whose children travelled abroad over the summer, we know just how life-changing these exchanges can be, and we hope our visitors feel the same.” “A huge thank you to our partner schools, staff, and parents who make these opportunities possible and help our young people grow in such remarkable ways.” Director of Strathallan Rugby Academy, Andrew Henderson, added his thanks to Jack H and Ross F from St Andrew’s College, South Africa, who joined the Strathallan Rugby Academy this term: “It’s been an absolute pleasure to host Jack and Ross from St Andrew’s College, South Africa as part of the Strathallan Rugby Academy programme.” “Both players showed incredible commitment and enthusiasm, working hard to improve their game and fully embracing the experience. These exchange opportunities continue to create life-changing experiences, lifelong friendships, and memories that our pupils will treasure. Safe travels home, until we meet again!”

From first steps to final firsts

The start of this term marked the very first day at Strathallan for our Year One Class and the last first day of school for our School Authority. Here’s to every moment in between.

20 Years of Service!

On 1st October, we celebrated Marzena, one of our amazing Food Service Assistants, who has been part of the Strathallan family for two decades. From early mornings to busy lunchtimes, Marzena’s kindness, hard work, and big smile have made a difference to countless pupils and staff over the years. We thank you and here’s to the next chapter of your journey with us!

Strathallan Chamber Choir

Members of the Strathallan Chamber Choir, joined by staff, took part in a moving candlelit All Souls Evensong at St Ninian’s Cathedral in Perth. Together with the Perth Cathedral Choir, they performed movements from Fauré’s Requiem as part of a service of remembrance for loved ones who have departed. Our Headmaster said, “Taking part in our community remains important educationally for our pupils and our school. We are delighted to see pupils contributing to such a special occasion.

What. A. Night.

From powerhouse choirs to standout solos, this year’s House Music Competition had it all and we were thrilled to welcome back former pupil and global superstar SACHA to adjudicate. Winners 2025 Girls’ Choir – Glenbrae Boys’ Choir – Simpson Conductor – Glenbrae Soloist – Max R Ensemble – Thornbank Overall Champions – Nicol House

Education beyond the classroom walls has never been more important, and this is just one of hundreds of opportunities for Strathallan pupils to excel. Very proud of this bunch.”

Remember, remember the 5th of November

A huge thank you to all the staff behind our spectacular fireworks display and especially to Mr Vallot, marking his final show at the School after starting this much-loved tradition with a colleague 20 years ago!

Meet Rhona & Elspeth, our new Gap Year students in Prep!

Rhona, who recently graduated from an International School in Zambia, is spending her gap year with us before going on to study Archaeology at university. She first heard about Strathallan through her father, who is a proud Strathallian. Elspeth joins us all the way from Christchurch, New Zealand. Having just finished an exciting adventure travelling around Europe, she plans to study Midwifery and is looking forward to gaining more experience in teaching during her time here. Both are very excited to meet all the pupils in Prep – and beyond – and we’re thrilled to have them join the Strathallan community.

From the Big Apple to our next Big Sing?!

We are thrilled to introduce our new Director of Music, Jeff Wilson. Speaking about joining Strathallan School, Jeff said, “It is an amazing honour and privilege to be part of something so beautiful. Strathallan is steeped in tradition but also inspires students to create new memories, think outside the box, and become lifelong learners. Whether that’s as musicians, artists, or anything they want to be. Coming here from New York, to such a peaceful yet vibrant place, is truly a privilege.” Before joining Strathallan, Jeff studied Vocal and Instrumental Music Education, specialising in vocal performance and opera. He has a rich background in church music, which he has been involved in since the age of 18, and has spent the last 10 years living and working in New York City as a Music Director, performer, and teacher. His passions include musical theatre and drama, where he continues to bring his experience as both a performer and educator together. We’re excited to see the energy and expertise Jeff will bring to Strathallan’s vibrant music community!

Congratulations, Hamish!

After achieving outstanding GCSE results this summer, Hamish has been appointed as our new Head of Royal Marines – one of the only Royal Marines Sections based in a school in Scotland. As an Arkwright Engineering Scholar and British Nordic Skier, Hamish already has an exciting future ahead and this week he received even more fantastic news: his Arkwright Engineering Scholarship for the next two years will be externally sponsored by the Royal Air Force.

As Jeff leads our Music department, our former Director of Music, Jason McAuley, steps into a new role as Thornbank Housemaster.

Academic UK Mathematics Trust Senior Maths Challenge

Douglas Potter

One of our teams were crowned Regional Champions and are heading to the UK Finals in February! Team members: Ankura P, Ben B, Thomas D and Enfys W

Douglas described the process as both enlightening and deeply moving, taking him on a journey that not only uncovered history but also transformed his understanding of his family’s past.

Two Strathallan teams headed to a snowy Kingussie to compete in the UK Mathematics Trust Senior Maths Challenge regional finals and they absolutely delivered.

Our second team also impressed, securing a fantastic third place. Team members: Jess H, Ethan F, Andrew L and Rebecca S. A huge well done to all eight pupils - outstanding problemsolving, teamwork and brainpower from start to finish!

Writing in Action

As part of the Third Form programme ‘The Bigger Picture’, we were delighted to welcome award-winning author Barbara Henderson to speak with our pupils. Barbara, the author of 13 books, 11 for young readers and 2 for adults - most recently To War with Wallace (2025), shared her journey as an author, talking about the writing process and the challenges of getting a book published. Her engaging presentation included a range of activities, with plenty of acting opportunities to bring the creative process to life. After lunch, pupils took on the task themselves, writing stories inspired by the prompt ‘What if nature fights back?’

Strathallan Sixth Form pupils were treated to an emotional and fascinating insight from Douglas Potter, who shared the story of how he researched his father’s war record and regimental diaries, ultimately leading him to write a book about his father’s experiences.

He encouraged pupils to “find the book in themselves” and to take the opportunity to ask their parents and grandparents about their early lives while they still can - a powerful reminder of the importance of preserving personal stories.

Mathematicians Making Their Mark! the inaugural Mathematics Competition for Girls from UK Mathematics Trust took place - a brand-new opportunity designed to inspire and challenge young female mathematicians across the UK.

Our Strathallan pupils shone brightly once again, achieving five Merit Awards and two Distinctions. A huge well done to all involved - we are so proud of you!

Back-to-Back Success for Strathallan MUN

It has been a whirlwind of diplomacy for our Model United Nations delegates, who recently competed in three major conferences across the UK. Our team first traveled to George Watson’s College and the North Berwick MUN, representing Germany and Mozambique. From debating AI rights and journalist safety to a heated emergency session on climate change, our young delegates tackled global issues with confidence and conviction.

Perth Youth Climate Conference

Six of our GCSE pupils attended an annual Perth Youth Climate Conference. The event offered a fantastic opportunity for our students to engage with the local council and local employers as they explored sustainability strategies, took part in workshops on sustainable workplace practices, and reflected on how we can continue to champion climate change awareness within our schools. A huge thank you to Perth and Kinross Council for organising and hosting such a valuable event!

The momentum continued at Cheadle Hulme School in Manchester, where six delegates represented Myanmar at a massive international conference of over 500 students. We are incredibly proud of our individual award winners: Ben W: Highly Commended (Law Committee) Jess H: Commended Delegate (Science Committee)

St Andrews served up dunes, dooks and data for our Geographers

Over 45 pupils took part in a day of hands-on fieldwork, with our Advanced Higher and A-level groups studying sand dunes at West Sands, while our Higher class explored urban environments in town and waded into river investigations. We were privileged to have Matthew and Fiona, Geography students from the University of St Andrews, join us, offering expert support and mentoring to our pupils as they developed their fieldwork skills. What a fantastic way to bridge school and university, and we’re excited to build on this in the future.

Piping Scottish Pipers’ Association

Congratulations to Rory M on his success at the Scottish Pipers’ Association junior competition held on Saturday 8th November. Rory was was second in 15U Strathspey and Reel, second in 15U Piobaireachd, third in 15U March and 5th in U18 jig. Fantastic achievements competing in a very tough field!

World Solo Pipe Band Drumming Championships

Huge congratulations to Strathallan Prep pupil Struan R, who finished 5th in the 14 & Under March competition at the World Solo Pipe Band Drumming Championships in October! A fantastic achievement on the world stage. Well done, Struan!

Full circle moments don’t get much better than this!

One year on from sharing our whole-school cover of Take My Hand by Skerryvore, our Pipe Band had the honour of joining them live on stage at Perth Concert Hall. Director of Piping and Drumming, Mr Fraser, said, “It was great for the band to once again share the stage with Skerryvore! This is the third time we’ve had the pleasure of playing with them at Perth Concert Hall, and it never gets old performing to a sold-out crowd. Well done to everyone in the band and thank you to Skerryvore for having us!”

Strathallan School Pipe Band had the honour of performing at the University of the Highlands and Islands graduation ceremony. It was a fantastic occasion, and a wonderful opportunity for our pipers and drummers to showcase their talent and share in the celebrations for UHI 🥳👏

Music Sharing music in Forgandenny!

Our talented Strathallan musicians spent an afternoon performing for the fantastic community at Forgandenny Village Hall! It was a joy to share their hard work and musical flair with our local neighbours. Thank you to the community for the warm welcome and great support!

Art Art That Sleighs: Festive Window Designs Dazzle

Our Second and Third Form art students have been busy bringing festive cheer to the canteen by painting the windows of Harry’s for Christmas. This year, the competition was run in partnership with Sodexo, and the results have been fantastic. Sodexo’s top pick was by Art Scholar Charlie C, whose design of three reindeer flying across the sky stood out for its creativity and festive spirit. Well done to all students who took part and helped brighten up the School this Christmas!

Performing Arts Big Ideas. Bold Performances.

From the rise of AI to female killers, from the concept of a perfect world to the rule of dictators - our GCSE Drama students held nothing back in their Devised performances. Creative. Clever. Chilling.

Small Acts of Love

Our Higher Drama pupils enjoyed a fantastic night at the beautifully refurbished Citizens Theatre, where they saw Small Acts of Love by Frances Poet and Ricky Ross. An inspiring experience in such a stunning space!

Pure theatre magic

Take a bow, cast and crew! We were treated to three incredible nights of The Witches of Eastwick The Witches of Eastwick production was a triumph, showcasing strong performances throughout the whole cast. There was impressive singing, and a remarkable attention to realism that made the story truly come alive. The main characters stood out brilliantly with George Betsill (Darryl Van Horne) bringing both charm and mischief to the musical, drawing the audience in. While the three witches Isla Campbell (Alexandra), Josie Crane ( Jane), and Emma Kinnell (Sukie) shone brightly, their confident performances anchored the show. The leads, whether in solo moments or ensemble numbers, commanded attention perfectly while also blending seamlessly with the cast. Ivianna Yates ( Jennifer Gabriel) gave a charming and nuanced performance, capturing both the warmth and wit of her character, while Matthew Fitzgerald (Michael Spofford) was equally strong bringing the sincerity to his romantic scenes. Together they created an engaging couple, as well as strong soloists. Amy Alleyn (Felicia Gabriel), portrayed her character with ease, capturing Felicia’s confidence all while maintaining a sharp accent. Her husband Clyde Gabriel played by Iona Findlay encapsulated his resigned attitude toward his unfortunate circumstances. Interactions with Felicia brought comedic relief, their bickering adding humour that was perfectly timed. Other character including Greta (Isla Sadoudi), Gina (Evie Betsill), and Fidel (Douglas Pate) of which they all emersed themselves within their characters helping the story come to life. Further, the ensemble cast was extraordinary, always impressing with their skill across all boards in singing, acting, and dancing. Their commitment and professionalism was the icing on the cake, showing what a strong company can achieve. This was also the first major production at Strathallan for our new Director of Music, Mr Wilson. His direction brought a new and fresh spark to the musical numbers, making sure the music was perfectly integrated with the action on stage. We even got to see the magnificent live band on stage, a sight we don’t often see within productions. Alongside him, Mrs Carr-Bates, Head of Drama created a compelling production, guiding the cast to their full potential in every scene. A huge congratulations to the entire team both onstage and behind the scenes for a dynamic and stimulating production. The Witches of Eastwick was an outstanding showcase of Strathallan’s performing arts, and I know we can’t wait to see what more is to come! - Iona F, Captain of Drama 2025 - 26

Strathallan Prep School Meet the Riley Housemistress

Book Week

Carving Out a Spooky Surprise

Caledonian call ups!

Prep pupils Erin & William sat down with our Riley Housemistress, Mrs Thompson, to uncover how she approaches her role as Head of Boarding of our youngest pupils and her answers didn’t disappoint! No gerbils were harmed in the making of this student-led interview.

Year 1 & 2 have started a brand new tradition, designing and carving a pumpkin to present to the Headmaster for Halloween! This year’s winning design was by Wade, and the class brought his spooky creation to life with pride and creativity, delivering a delightful surprise to start the Halloween celebrations at School.

In honour of Book Week Scotland, our prep pupils shared their love of reading and we were thrilled to help spark that joy!

Huge congrats to our Prep School stars selected for the Caledonian Hockey and Rugby teams! They’ll be representing us at the IAPS Regional Tournament later this term - go team!

Wee Sleep and Sleep Under

Our Year 4–6 Prep pupils had a wizarding weekend at their Harry Potter–themed Wee Sleep and Sleep Under in Riley House! From the Sorting Hat and potion making to Quidditch and s’mores by the firepit – it was pure muggle-free magic from start to finish.

Girls in Gaming!

On 1st October, our Second Form pupils Erin, Holly, Jessica, Annabelle, Marisa, Emily and Tilly headed to Abertay University for the Ada Scotland Festival, an event inspiring more girls to get into the gaming industry. The day kicked off with inspirational talks from women leading the way in gaming - from designers and cyber security experts to quality assessors (aka professional game debuggers). Next up were hands-on workshops with local gaming companies, where our budding programmers got to try out the latest tech. After lunch came the ultimate challenge in Abertay’s famous game development zone: “Play it. Break it. Fix it.” - putting their skills to the test with real games in development. The festival wrapped up with a panel of Abertay undergraduates, sharing their own journeys from school to university and encouraging the girls to follow their career dreams. Huge thanks to Dr Lynn Love and Abertay University for such an inspiring STEM experience - and for proving that the future of gaming is for everyone.

Meet the Captains of our Prep School!

We are delighted to introduce this year’s Prep Captains, who will be taking on key leadership roles across the school. Each of them has shown great enthusiasm, commitment, and team spirit, and we can’t wait to see the positive impact they will make. House Captains – Annabelle M & Harris C-H Sports Captains – Morven S & Lockie C Riley House Captains – Erin M & Chloe C Music Captains – Tejas C & Joseph K Drama Captains – Holly P & Aksil S (not pictured) Charities Captain – Daisy B

Riley House

Over the summer, Riley House was given a full refresh, and it’s fantastic to see our Prep Boarders settling in to their new home from home. They’ve also been busy getting to know ‘Strath’ and ‘Allan’, the much-loved Riley House pet gerbils!

Congratulations to all our Captains, we know you will lead with energy, kindness, and pride in our Prep community.

Hey Ewe

Years 1 to 4 sprinkled pure magic at School with their adorable nativity play, Hey Ewe! Thank you to all our staff behind the scenes helping our pupils bring their play to life.

The Wee Sleep 2025

Similar to the Big Sleep in the Senior School, all our Prep pupils, day and boarding, came together for a weekend sleepover this weekend! From the Hawaiian-themed disco and team-building games, to the pic ’n’ mix station, s’mores, cuddles with Strath & Allan, stories around the fire pit, and an evening movie with popcorn - it all ended with the ultimate sleepover with friends. What an unforgettable night in Riley House!

LAMDA Success

It was almost a clean sweep of Distinction certificates at our Prep School Assembly. To achieve Distinction, pupils must score 80% or above and many of our talented performers achieved marks well into the 90s. Exams were taken in Acting, Devising, The Speaking of Verse and Prose, and Choral Speaking. Five pupils - Orla T, Esme S, Charlotte W, Stella Du P and Nora D - all scored in the 90s in their Introductory exams while in Years 3 and 4. The Year 6 Choral Speakers were also highly praised, with the examiner noting, “You are able to perform with excitement, fun and energy, bringing colour and adventure to an onstage world. You ooze confidence, and a bold use of gesture captivates an audience.” A huge well done to all our Prep School candidates for these outstanding results - a testament to their talent, creativity and hard work. 26

Family Fun Day

A wonderful day of fun and friendship at the Prep School & Riley House! Thank you to all our families for making Family Fun Day so special. From face painting and a silent disco to games, crafts, and plenty of new friends to meet - it was the perfect start to the weekend.

The Nicht Afore Christmas

Our Prep School turned into a magical elf workshop. From wonderful storytelling by Irene McFarlane to elf craft stations and a very special visitor… Story Explorers was full of Christmas cheer, Scots language, and festive magic.

Wild Adventures with Riley Boarders! Our Riley boarders had an unforgettable day exploring Blair Drummond Safari Park! From spotting majestic lions to inquisitive meerkats and friendly pigs, it was a day full of fun, laughter, and wild discoveries.

Sponsor an animal

For the fifth year running, Year 5 are sponsoring an animal for their Christmas present. This year they are sponsoring a turtle which is fitting because they are a turtley awesome year group!

STEM

Years 5 and 6 have approached Saturday STEM lessons with great enthusiasm this term. Activities have ranged from building towers to zooming down zip lines and flying paper helicopters to driving balloon-powered cars. Key skills have included planning, teamwork, collaboration, reviewing and improving. Fun and enjoyment has also been at the forefront.

Baking Maths

Year 5 absolutely excelled in their maths homework… the baked-goods incentive may have had something to do with it! The rest of the class loved it too. Great to see real-life maths with grams and kilograms!

What a fantastic turnout!

Our prep school’s sponsored event in aid of Children in Need was a huge success — mud and smiles galore! From the dogs to the pupils, parents to teachers, everyone got stuck in and had an amazing time.

Life Skills in action!

Our Year 5 pupils put their cooking skills to the test today by making a delicious vegetable stir fry — and it was a roaring success! Safe to say we’ve now converted everyone into courgette and mushroom fans!

So proud of our Prep School EDI Committee!

These amazing pupils didn’t just speak to the entire Prep School — they also addressed the whole Senior School to promote Odd Sock Day, kicking off Anti-Bullying Week with a powerful message of kindness, individuality, and inclusion.

Black Watch Museum

Year 6 had an amazing trip to the Black Watch Museum. After learning all about the World Wars in class, it was incredible to see history come to life right before their eyes.

Learning Code

Our Year 1/2 students are diving into the exciting world of coding! Learning this vital skill is setting them up for success in our ever-changing, tech-driven world.

Great Scottish Squirrel Count

Inspiring Speech

Learning to care for our environment and its animals is a vital life skill. Pupils explored the Strathallan grounds and were excited to spot several red squirrels among the greys!

A fantastic reminder of the powerful impact women continue to make in the world of sport!

As part of our Saturday Life Skills programme, Year 5 got outdoors to take part in the Great Scottish Squirrel Count!

As part of Women in Sports Week, our Prep School Captain and Sports Captain delivered an inspiring speech to pupils about the incredible Ellie Simmonds.

These native creatures are a treasured part of Scotland’s wildlife, and we’re proud to play a small part in helping protect them through conservation efforts.

It’s Women in Sport Week and Prep are all in!

From sporting selfies and marathon challenges to lessons with our amazing tennis captain — we’re celebrating the power and passion of girls in sport.

Sports On Target: Strathallan Girls Take First Place at Rugby School’s Clay Challenge

A fantastic few days on the range as our Girls’ team took first place at the Rugby Schools Clay Challenge and our Boy’s A Team finished second, losing out by one clay! Congratulations to Isla T, Lily L and Alana H for their outstanding performance, with Lily L coming runner-up in the High Gun. Our Boy’s A Team, Duncan G, Hunter S, Fraser S and Finn G, also shot superbly, finishing second by just one clay! A special mention to Hunter S, who placed third in High Gun overall.

Strathallan Student Qualifies for Horse of the Year Show

Huge congratulations to Lucy B and her horse, Chiko (Coppenagh Maguire), who have qualified for the Horse of the Year Show - one of the most prestigious events in the UK equestrian calendar. Later this week, they’ll be showjumping against some of the best young riders in the country! Qualifying for HOYS is an incredible achievement for a school-age showjumper, and Lucy’s dedication, skill and commitment have truly shone throughout her equestrian journey.

Well done to all our competitors on an excellent display of focus, teamwork and precision.

Reaching New Heights

Thanks to an incredibly generous donation from one of our families, our on-site Climbing Wall is once again open and in use - giving our pupils the chance to scale new challenges and push themselves further.

Scottish Curling Junior Championships

Huge congratulations to Strathallan School pupil Islay M, who finished 2nd at the Scottish Curling Junior Championships held in Aberdeen from 18–22 November. Islay, who has been curling competitively for four years, was recently selected, along with her newly formed team, for the Scottish National Curling Academy. She currently plays with Team Seftor and is also competing in mixed doubles, with her next event - the Matt Murdoch Memorial Junior Mixed Doubles - taking place in midDecember. Inspired by her dad and former Olympic champion Eve Muirhead, Islay says she loves curling for its social side, the friendships, and simply because “it is unbelievably fun.” Competing in the U21 category, Islay still has five years ahead in this age group and an exciting future in the sport. Well done, Islay and good luck for the rest of the season on the ice!

Huge congratulations Henry!

Strathallan Prep pupil Henry G represented Team GB at the European BTLR Championships in Turkey, finishing an incredible 18th individually and bringing home GOLD in the relay event! We’re so proud of your amazing achievement, Henry - what a fantastic ambassador for our school and for Great Britain!

Scottish Schools Pistol Championships

A fantastic first outing for Strathallan at the Scottish Schools Pistol Championships. The Strathallan School Team placed 1st overall, qualifying for the National Final in February and the pupils are now ranked 7th nationally on debut. - Henry G placed 2nd and has qualified individually for the National Final in February - Ajay S finished 5th - Thomas L-P finished 6th Well done team!

Cricket Scotland U15 Girls Head Coach Scottish Junior National Huge congratulations to our Director of Cricket, Brock Championships Ditchmen, who has been appointed as the Cricket Scotland U15 Girls Head Coach.

Huge congratulations to our three pupils who competed at the Scottish Junior National Championships.

Since joining us in 2024, Brock has stepped up to the crease and driven an exciting new era of cricket at Strathallan. His work has included expanding player development and providing the vision behind our new all-weather cricket nets.

With only the top 8 players in each age group battling for the title, it was incredible to see Evie C, Sophie D and Ali E all make their way to national finals!

He will continue to lead our programme with the same clarity, energy and ambition while taking on this national role to help shape the next generation of Scotland’s talent. Well played, Brock, and well deserved.

Ali E – Crowned 14&U Boys’ Singles Champion! Ali defeated the top seed in the quarters, came through a tough semifinal, and edged out second seed P. Gilchrist in a thrilling match tie-break to secure his first national singles title. Evie C – Runner-up in the 11&U Girls’ Singles, finishing an excellent run with silver after facing top seed A. Rahmani in the final. Sophie D – Reached the 18&U Girls’ Singles Final, claiming two fantastic wins along the way before narrowly missing out 6-4, 7-5 in a close final against K. Saito. We are so proud of all three players for their outstanding performances on the national stage!

Prep Autumn sports winners

Our Autumn term sports winners with 1st hockey team captain Farrah! A big well done to all.

Strength & Conditioning pupil of the term awards.

Well done to Alex M and Natalia M who take home the senior awards. Congratulations to Rhys C and Emily G who are the recipients of the junior awards. With the school completing nearly 6,000 individual sessions this term, and 85% of pupils taking part in S&C sessions it was extremely difficult to pick from such a talented and dedicated group of students.

Swimming caps

Our Strathallan Prep swim team are rocking their fresh new swimming caps! Looking good team!

Scottish Schools Biathlon

Huge congratulations to all our prep pupils who competed in the Scottish Schools Biathlon in Aberdeen. Amazing performances all round — with our Year 5 girls team bringing home gold, along with our incredible 2nd Form girls team! So proud of you all!

SRU

Huge Congratulations to Ben and Finlay on securing places on the National Talent Pathway for the SRU

Rugby

Our 2nd XV put on their best performance of the season, producing a superb 50–7 win over Fettes College under the lights on Big Acre! This match marked the final 2nd XV fixture for Paul Vallot who, alongside Mark Higginbottom, has coached the 2nd XV together for over 31 years. Paul has contributed an incredible 39 years in total to Strathallan Rugby! What a memorable game for Mr Vallot to finish on and well done to the boys for a fantastic team performance on the day!

Our 1st XV rugby squad had an outstanding weekend at the Merchiston U18 rugby festival. On day 1️, the boys were on impressive form, defeating Dame Allen’s, Dulwich College, and St Peter’s York without conceding a single point. Day 2️ saw us face tough competition, losing 10-0 to Oakham in the cup quarter finals, but we bounced back to beat RGS Newcastle 31-0. In the plate final, we had a nail-biting match against Merchiston, drawing 7-7 before they clinched the win with a drop goal on golden point! Well done to the team and coaches. Special thanks to the excellent support we had over the two days from parents, spectators and former pupils.

Massive congratulations to our 1st XV, who secured a 34–19 win over ESMS in the Scottish Schools Cup Semi-Final! Director of Rugby, Andy Douglas, said, “We are immensely proud of our 1st XV and the hard work they put in for this semi-final. They went about their business admirably this week and put on a great performance today.” A huge thank you to all our supporters who came along today and it was fantastic to see so many Strathallians and former staff cheering the team on.

Massive congratulations to our U16 rugby team, who beat Dunbar Grammar School 55-5 under the lights on Big Acre at home, advancing to the National Plate Semi-Final! Outstanding performance, boys! Well done!

Our U16 Boys progress in the Plate after securing a excellent 41-22 victory away at Linlithgow! Brilliant performance boys - well done!

Equestrian Henry G in the Prep School wrapped up an amazing season at the Scottish Horse of the Year Show at SNEC! His team took the win in both Pony Club mounted games sessions against the best in Scotland and even bagged first prize for the cleanest ponies.

“It was an unforgettable experience. Stepping onto the pitch with my friends, facing our rivals in a final that doubled as a tiebreaker, is something that can never be replicated.” Massive congratulations to Alana H and the Stirling County U16s, who were crowned Scottish Cup Champions following a hard-fought and competitive battle against Dundee. Alana added. “With a short rest over Christmas, I’ll head into the Caley Regional Games as a stronger player with a better outlook. And in my final year at U16 level, achieving something this big makes it even more special.” Fellow pupil Holly F was also part of the matchday squad, contributing to the team’s success from the bench.

Good luck to Olivia K and her pony, Shadow, as they travel to Chillington Hall to represent the Scottish U18 Team at the BE80 Youth Championships. Olivia said: “I’m delighted to have been selected for the U18 BE80 eventing team with Shadow, my 7-year-old Connemara. I’ve only had him for just over a year, so I’m really pleased with our progress in our first full season together. This is my second time at this fantastic event, and I’m really looking forward to competing with the team.”

Swimming Three Strathallan swimmers took to the pool at the Midlands District Sprint Championships, bringing home an impressive set of results: Finlay B - Gold in 50m Freestyle, 50m Butterfly, 50m Backstroke & 6th in 50m Breaststroke Euan W - Gold in 50m Freestyle & Silver in 50m Breaststroke Luke J - 9th in 50m Butterfly, 8th in 50m Freestyle, 7th in 50m Backstroke & Bronze in the Medley Relay.

Three brilliant days of racing for Strathallan swimmers at the Scottish National Short Course Championships! PBs across the squad from Lexie L, Euan W, Finlay B, Sam C, Andrew L & Kristin M. Highlights: - Euan W smashed 65 secs in the 100m Breaststroke & flew to a 63.84 PB in the B Final, PB 200 Br, 200IM, 50Br. - Finlay B won the Open B Finals for 200 Back (2 sec PB) & was crowned the 200 IM Scottish Junior Champion (4 sec PB) - Andrew L dropped a massive 7 seconds in the 200 Fly, also PB’s in 100 fly - PBs for Sam C (100 IM, 200IM & 50 & 100 Br), Kristin M (400 Free & 400IM )& Lexie L (100 Br) Director of Strathallan Swimming Academy, Elaine Johnston said, “ I’m so proud of the commitment, resilience & performances across all 3 days. A fantastic end to a brilliant season.”

Football Our senior girls’ 1st XI football team had an amazing match against Fettes College. The girls played fantastically well, securing a 5-1 win, with Violet C-B scoring 4 incredible goals!

Huge well done to our 1st XI boys Football team on their 6-3 victory away at Dollar Academy in the SISFA League. Leo C claimed his hat-trick, with the Allan C, Cameron C and Jacob H scoring one each. Leo C took home the Man of the Match award.

Netball During one Strath game, two exceptional milestones were achieved for the 2025/26 season: Kira P scored her 500th goal Flora R reached her 200th

Congratulations to Sports Scholar Freya S on her selection into Scotland U19 Netball team

What a way to celebrate Scottish Women and Girls in Sport Week! Over 100 pupils and staff showed up in their team colours for a thrilling mixed netball tournament on Friday night. Well done to the sports captains and staff for putting together a brilliant event!

Finishing off the term with a Scottish Plate win for the U15s.

A huge well done to our Strathallan Prep U13 netball team who go 2 from 2 in the Scottish Cup after an excellent 34-13 win over Perth High School! The team’s teamwork and positive encouragement was brilliant throughout the whole game! Well done to Chloe C, who was awarded player of the match! Pictured with 1st VII players Corinna & Freya who were supporting the girls!

Round Robin Scottish Cup matches completed with 3/3 wins. Congratulations to Morven S on her Player over the Match.

Shout out to our 1st team superstar shooters for a brilliant 1st quarter to the 2025/26 season. Stats for this half term: Kira P 257 goals in 12 appearances Sophie C 19 goals in 11 appearances, 3 x intercepts, 1 x Player of the Match Flora R 123 goals in 12 appearances, 2 x intercepts, 3 x Player of the Match

A big thanks to University of St Andrews Netball Club for travelling to Strathallan for match play this evening against our Strathallan x London Pulse pathway squad.

Hockey Congratulations to Maisie D and Anna G on their National hockey Aspiring selection.

What a brilliant afternoon of hockey at the U18 Girls Boarding Schools Tournament! We were delighted to host teams from across Scotland here at Strathallan School for an action-packed day of matches. Our girls played five fantastic games, securing wins over Glenalmond, Loretto, and Gordonstoun, and narrowly missing out with one-goal losses to Fettes and Dollar. It was also brilliant to welcome U.S Sports Scholarships pitchside to join us for the tournament.

Well done to our Senior Hockey Girls who enjoyed a hugely successful block of fixtures against Glenalmond. All our teams remained undefeated, with four excellent wins for the 1st XI, 3rd XI, U15A, and U15B teams – including an impressive 6-1 victory for our 3rd XI!

Well done to our senior indoor squad winning 6-4 against Grove in the Midlands league with Lea scoring a hat trick.

Huge congratulations to our fantastic U13 pupils who represented Scotland in last week’s IAPS matches! We’re so proud to see our pupils finding such joy in sport and giving their all on the pitch.

Our Senior Hockey Girls are locked in and ready to host the U18 Boarding Girls Hockey Tournament on Sunday 5th October. We’re excited to welcome teams from Glenalmond, Gordonstoun, Dollar, Fettes and Loretto to campus for what promises to be a fantastic day of competition. Good luck to all the players taking part — and a special shoutout to our girls in blue and gold as they defend on home turf!

A lovely start to term hosting Michael Ham College from Argentina. A great evening of hockey and camaraderie both on and off the pitch!

Tennis

Good luck to our three Strathallan Tennis Academy pupils competing in the 14U Lexus Indoor National Championships. The 14U Lexus Indoor National Championships is a Grade 1 tennis tournament, which is the highest level of national competition in Great Britain attracting the top players who are competing at a national or international level. This is the first time that Strathallan have had three pupils competing in the same Grade 1 competition with Sophie D becoming the first female Strathallan pupil to play in a Grade 1 age group competition - a real achievement for all involved. Congratulations to Findlay P, Ali E and Sophie D

Well done to our 3 pupils competing at the Scottish Junior National Championships. With the top 8 players in each age category playing for the title, it was amazing to see Evie C, Sophie D and Ali E all reach national finals. Evie performed excellently, and finished as the runner-up in the 11&U girls singles, losing to top seed A Rahmani 6-2 6-2 in the final. Sophie earned 2 fantastic wins to reach the 18&U girls singles final. In a close final, Sophie just missed out, losing 6-4 7-5 to K Saito. Ali E won the 14&U boys singles title! Defeating top seed O McBride in the quarter final, K Maguire in the semi-final. In the final Ali faced second seed, P Gilchrist - in a closely fought contest, Ali edged the match tie-break, earning his first national singles title. Well done to our 3 star performers this weekend, we are very proud of you all.

Strathallan School pupils embarked on an enriching educational trip to the University of St Andrews. The day was filled with a variety of activities, offering students valuable insights into university life and sporting opportunities!

Fencing

Golf

Congratulations to Strathallan pupil Josh B and his Salle Ossian teammate Guy on their U23 GB Selection for Sofia!

Our Golf Captain, Lewis P, will be representing Strathallan at the Alfred Dunhill Schools Challenge at Carnoustie. Fresh from cutting his handicap to 5.1, Lewis heads onto one of the world’s most iconic courses and we wish him every success. Lewis said, “I’m really looking forward to playing for the school. It means a lot to be Captain of Golf, and it’s something that, as I go on with my golf career, I’ll look back on with pride.”

Well done to Strathallan School pupil Veer C and his Salle Ossian teammates who took Gold in Cadets and Silver overall in a mixed sabre event. “It was amazing to win Gold for the Cadets and Silver overall,” says Veer. “Fencing with friends at Salle Ossian is always so much fun. I’ve been fencing for 5–6 years, and this year I want to compete in more cadet events and break into the top twenty. I love sabre because it’s a great way to meet new people and make friends.” Congratulations, Veer – here’s to more medals, friends, and epic moments on the piste!

Cricket Huge congratulations to Esther B, Michael P, Seb C and Constance S, who have all been selected for the Cricket Scotland Regional Training Squads. A brilliant achievement and a true reward for their dedication, skill and love of the game.

Inter-Div What an incredible day of excitement and energy at our interdiv rugby competition! From powerful tackles to amazing teamwork, every match showed true passion and spirit. A huge congratulations to Balmanno — our overall winners! But honestly, everyone came out on top thanks to the outstanding sportsmanship and team spirit on display.

It was all go in our Div competitions. Yr 6 – 2nd Form Girls Inter-Divisional Hockey 1st – Dron 2nd – Glenearn 3rd – Dupplin 4th – Balmanno Yr 3–5 Mixed Sport Inter-Divisional 1st – Balmanno 2nd – Dupplin 3rd – Dron 4th – Glenearn

Inter divisional swimming competition. We are proud to announce that this year’s winners are Dron! A huge well done to everyone who took part. A great atmosphere and healthy competition.

Inter-House Senior Girls Inter-house hockey! What a lovely way to spend a sunny Saturday afternoon with friendly competitive inter-house hockey! Congratulations to Woodlands House who won the junior competition and Glenbrae House who won the seniors!

Awards Celebrating our students

We were delighted to recognise the outstanding dedication shown by our pupils throughout this fantastic term, with Half, Full and International Colours awarded across a wide range of activities in Assembly. Congratulations to all our pupils who earned Colours in: • Piping and Drumming • DofE • John Muir Award • CCF • Performing Arts • Athletics • Football • Fencing • Nordic skiing • Netball • Clays • Equestrian • Hockey • Rugby Each Colour award represents not only skill and achievement, but also perseverance and a commitment to excellence. We are incredibly proud of every pupil who has contributed to such a vibrant and successful term.

CCF Meet the Heads of our CCF

We are proud to introduce this year’s Heads of the Strathallan CCF, who are already leading their sections with dedication, discipline, and pride. Head of Contingent – WO1 Cadet Regimental Sergeant Major Daniel C. Head of Army – WO2 Cadet Sergeant Major Sophia G. Head of Navy – WO1 Cadet Chief Petty Officer Natalie DCT. Head of Royal Marines – WO2 Cadet Sergeant Major Hamish B. Daniel C. said: “As the RSM, you have the autonomy to act and lead decisively—but with that freedom comes the responsibility of justifying every decision you make. This year we are going to represent, in practice, at competitions and in the field. Represent ourselves, represent the contingent, and represent the school.” Sophia G. said: “Being Head of Army Section to me means setting the standard, taking responsibility, and making sure things get done properly. My target for this year is to lead by example, keep the section running smoothly, and to help others perform at their best.” Hamish B. said: “It’s a huge honour to have been made WO2 and Head of the Royal Marines Section given that we are one of the only Marines sections in Scotland. One of the highlights of this term will be the competition for the Pringle Trophy at Lympstone, where we all hope to do Strathallan proud.” Natalie DCT, Vice-Captain of School, said: “I am extremely grateful for my position and the opportunities it gives me to contribute to our CCF section at Strathallan. I will put this to use to continue the growth and success of our Navy Section.”

Gun Runs, Promotions and Precision: A CCF Field Day to Remember

Our CCF Royal Navy and Royal Marines sections were honoured to welcome Brigadier Ged Salzano, Head of UK Royal Navy and Royal Marine Cadet Forces to Strathallan School. After a troop inspection and promotions to Sergeant for Oliver Dean H and Rose C, our cadets took part in a joint Gun Run with Queen Victora School cadets, followed by an exhilarating Royal Marines group attack on Scouts Hill, a challenging and memorable experience for all involved. A huge thank you to Major McGowan, SSI Shoebridge, Captain Majoribanks, and all our staff and student cadets, as well as our good friends from QVS for a fantastic turn out and display.

Strathallians Huge congratulations to former pupil Duncan Scott on his pre-selection for Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games.

From set building at Strathallan to designing world-class venues for artists like Beyoncé and Coldplay, former pupil Oli Beetschen (Freeland ’10) returned to deliver our first Sixth Form Lecture of the year. Now Director of Architecture (EMEA) at Live Nation, the world’s leading live entertainment company, Oli is spearheading the design of next-generation music venues across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. In 2023, he was named a RIBA Rising Star, recognised as one of the most ambitious and influential early-career designers. Reflecting on his time at Strath, Oli spoke about how a lifelong love of theatre and architecture shaped his career and continues to inspire his work. Vice Captain of School Natalie, who has collaborated with Oli on recent Strathallan Theatre set designs, interviewed him in front of a packed audience. She said, “It was great to see Oli again before we start working on the set of this year’s musical The Witches of Eastwick and to learn more about his journey. I’m very grateful to have been chosen to interview someone I know so well. From his talk, I learnt not to restrict my career to the subject of my degree but instead to do something I truly enjoy and let success follow.”

Adding another international accolade to his trophy cabinet, Duncan Scott has been crowned European Short Course Champion in the 200m Freestyle!

A huge thank you to Oli for an evening filled with inspiration, ambition and creativity and a powerful reminder to our Sixth Formers that Strathallan really is just the beginning.