St Leonards School in St Andrews has been named School of the Year for International Student
Experience at the Independent Schools of the Year Awards 2022. This prestigious accolade recognises
our global community and outlook, ensuring pupils of over 30 different nationalities feel at home here in
St Andrews.
The Independent Schools of the Year Awards is an annual ceremony governed by Independent School Parent
magazine to recognise and celebrate the very best in education and student experience. The awards
receive hundreds of applications from independent schools across the UK, shortlisting those who display
unrivalled excellence.
The International Student Experience category recognises a holistic school-life experience, which secures
positive involvement that successfully prepares all students for the next stage of their career. At St
Leonards, we celebrate cultural and linguistic diversity daily, encouraging our students to be proud of their
heritage and to share it with others.
St Leonards School was the first in Scotland to be accredited as an all-through International Baccalaureate
school, delivering this globally-recognised curriculum from Year 1 through to Year 13. This gold standard
qualification, attracts students from across the globe, securing a refreshing and cosmopolitan air in our
school community. We celebrate and share the diversity in our student body, encouraging our older pupils
to read stories in their mother tongues to younger pupils around the fire pit and lead dumpling-making
workshops to celebrate Lunar New Year.
Simon Brian, Head of St Leonards School, said: “We are delighted that St Leonards has received national
recognition for our International Student Experience. This is a superb reflection of the sense of
inclusivity which sets our school apart, and celebrates each and every one of our pupils, staff and families.
“It is wonderful that our values and all-through International Baccalaureate ethos have been
acknowledged and praised with this award. This achievement also recognises our exceptional boarding
environment set in the heart of St Andrews, featuring historic landmarks, purpose-built facilities, vast
green playing fields and magnificent views of the sea and the surrounding town.”
Looking to the future, St Leonards will continue to welcome all nationalities, sharing and celebrating
different cultures and traditions, living and learning together as one global community.
