Programmes

Junior Classes

Education in the junior years builds on the principle of breadth, establishing foundations for later academic achievement. Students in Second and Third Form study core disciplines under subject specialists who maintain close coordination with tutors and boarding staff. The curriculum includes mathematics, English, sciences (biology, chemistry, physics), and physical education, alongside languages (French, Spanish, Latin), humanities (history, geography), creative subjects, and computing. This diverse exposure helps students identify their interests before transitioning to GCSE, where they’ll face their first significant subject choices.

GCSE Programme

The Fourth and Fifth Form programme at Glenalmond College balances a compulsory academic core with opportunities for individual specialisation. All students pursue mathematics, English (language and literature), one modern language (French, Spanish, or English as an additional language), and sciences — either as double or triple certification. Beyond these requirements, each student constructs their own learning pathway by selecting three subjects from eleven options:

• Art
• 3D Design
• Applied Industrial Design
• Geography
• Classical Latin
• Second foreign language (Spanish available if French is chosen as first language)
• Digital Technology and Computing
• History
• Music and Performance
• Drama and Theatre
• Physical Education

This structure enables students to build both solid general preparation and focused exploration of their particular interests.

A Levels and Scottish Highers at Glenalmond College

The senior school offers two distinct educational routes. One path involves three A Levels plus an additional qualification (either the Extended Project Qualification or a Scottish Higher), providing deep immersion in chosen areas that British universities value highly. The alternative route consists of five Scottish Highers completed during Lower Sixth, creating broader academic foundations that often lead to unconditional university offers. For A Levels, Glenalmond College provides access to 22 subjects, including mathematics (including further mathematics), English language, sciences, physical education, and languages (French, Spanish, Latin). Beyond core disciplines, students can choose from:

• Art and Design
• Economics
• Three-Dimensional Design
• Art History
• Business
• Geography
• History
• Classical Civilisation
• Drama
• Music
• Politics
• Religious Studies

The Highers programme features 14 disciplines: mathematics, English language, human biology, physical education, and languages (French, Spanish), along with:

• Business Management
• Computing
• Design and Manufacturing
• Geography
• History
• Modern Studies
• Drama
• Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies

Additional Qualifications

Glenalmond College’s educational offering extends through several specialised courses. BTEC in Countryside Management — a year-long modular course equivalent to one A Level — particularly appeals to those planning careers in conservation and land management. The Extended Project (EPQ) develops independent research capabilities and can lower grade requirements for university admission. For students whose first language isn’t English, preparation for IELTS becomes mandatory — this international language assessment is recognised by universities and employers worldwide.