Beside its stellar reputation for academics, sporting success and pastoral care, all agree it’s the ‘feel’ of Strathallan that sets it apart from the rest. One parent says that ‘if the “feel” could be bottled, it would be worth a fortune’ – and everyone wants a drop. There are four applications per place and students come from as far afield as Mexico, Hong Kong and Kenya. The 153-acre campus is a huge draw, as are facilities that include a 240-seat theatre, a clay shooting range and the nearby Glenshee ski centre – which means ‘snow days are ski days’. But above all, we’re told it’s the ‘bespoke education’ which is Strath’s USP: children are ‘encouraged and helped to follow their individual dreams’. As per the school motto, Labor Omnia Vincit, hard work pays off and is rewarded with post-lie-in brunches, ceilidhs, trips to Italy and Barbados, and a Winter Wonderland – complete with ice rink, fire pits, pizza and an outdoor cinema.
Location: Forgandenny, Perthshire PH2 9EG
Website: strathallan.co.uk
Head: Mark Lauder, since 2017; previously Head of Ashville College, Harrogate
Pupils: 465. Day: 97 boys, 69 girls; boarding: 149 boys, 150 girls
Ages: 13–18
Term fees: Day: £8,484; boarding: £12,733
Oxbridge: 1%
Admission: Previous school’s report
Alumni: Invictus Games medallist JJ Chalmers, rugby player Zander Fagerson, Emmy-winning musical supervisor Ciara Elwis
Prep Head: Emma Lalani
Pupils: 115 day and boarding: 62 boys, 53 girls
Ages: 7–13
Term fees: Day: £5,565; boarding: £9,087
