St Leonards School has announced the launch of an exciting new pre-university Postgraduate (PG) Year. This programme, the first of its kind in Scotland, is designed to bridge the gap between school and university. Beginning in August 2026, the PG Year will offer students aged 17–19 a structured yet flexible opportunity to consolidate their academic strengths, develop independence, and prepare with purpose for life beyond school.
The St Leonards Postgraduate Year is designed for young people who have completed high school and wish to gain an additional year of learning, growth, and exploration before embarking on higher education. Participants will follow tailored academic pathways to strengthen their university applications and deepen their subject expertise, while also taking part in a wide range of co-curricular, sporting, and cultural opportunities. Immersed in the vibrant boarding life of St Leonards, students will be encouraged to pursue their own goals, whether academic, athletic, creative, or personal, within a nurturing and internationally-minded community.
Reflecting St Leonards’ long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic education, the PG Year will combine intellectual challenge with personal growth. Students will have access to a broad curriculum, including subjects such as English, Mathematics, Sciences, Humanities, and Modern Languages, complemented by enrichment opportunities and life skills workshops. The school’s setting in the heart of St Andrews provides a rich environment for exploration, while opportunities for UK and European travel and cultural engagement will further enhance the experience.
Head of St Leonards, Mr Simon Brian, says:
“The pre-university Postgraduate Year at St Leonards represents a unique opportunity for young people to pause, reflect, and prepare with purpose for the next stage of their lives. We recognise that the transition to college or university can be both exciting and challenging; our PG Year provides the ideal environment for students to grow academically, personally, and socially, while developing the independence and confidence that will serve them for life. This is a truly distinctive offering, and we are thrilled to welcome our first cohort in 2026.”
Deputy Head (Academic), Will Gaisford, adds:
“The Postgraduate Year is designed to give students time and space to refine their academic focus while building the critical skills that universities and employers value most: curiosity, self-discipline, and intellectual confidence. Our programme enables students to study subjects at a deeper level, engage in independent research and pursuits, and benefit from expert guidance as they plan their next steps. It’s a transformative year that blends academic challenge with personal development.”
Applications for the St Leonards Postgraduate Year opened in October 2025, with the first intake beginning in August 2026.
Categories: School News St Leonards
