United Kingdom · Elgin, Moray, Scotland · Founded 1934
Gordonstoun
Kurt Hahn's school, the origin of the Duke of Edinburgh's Award, sea training, fire service and the education of three generations of the royal family.
The character
Gordonstoun believes in character built through hardship: pupils crew the school yacht, run the fire and coastguard services and sail in the North Sea. Academics are sound rather than stellar, the community is close and international, and children who were lost elsewhere often find themselves here.
Good for
Adventurous children, those who need to grow up, families who value service
Less suited to
The most academic children, those who hate the weather
Getting in
Rolling admissions with interview, reports and an assessment day; entry at 8, 11, 13 and 16.
What it costs in total
At about £ 50,000 a year for boarding, the 5 years from 13 to 18 add up to roughly €330,000 in today’s money including typical extras, before fee increases, tutoring and flights. The Education Cost Calculator adds inflation, extras and a second child.
Fees are rounded 2025/26 figures from the school’s own schedule and change every year. The school’s current fee sheet prevails. The picture is an impression of the setting, not a photograph of the campus.
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