About Albyn School
Albyn School is an independent, co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 2-18. It comprises three sections: A nursery for around 120 children aged 2-5; a Lower School for around 260 pupils aged 5-12 and an Upper School of just under 360 pupils aged 12-18. We are located in the North East of Scotland in a city called Aberdeen, often referred to as the ‘energy capital of Europe’.
Founded in 1867 as an all-girls school, Albyn School has spent the last 150 years evolving to become one of Scotland’s leading independent educational establishments. Located in the reputable west end of Aberdeen, our buildings are a beautiful blend of traditional 19th century granite villas and contemporary architecture, housing three nurseries, a lower school and an upper school.
We strive to continually redevelop our teaching facilities to keep up with the advancements of modern technology and the increase in pupils seeking careers in science, engineering and medicine. Recent construction has led to the addition of three new laboratories onto our science block, and last year we opened our Wood Foundation Engineering and Science Centre which includes a state of the art classroom where pupils can learn CAD software and 3D printing, and a workshop for pupils to experience technology and engineering first hand.
In our art department we have studios fitted with Apple Mac computers installed with the latest in Adobe software to teach digital design, and in our music department we have a fully equipped recording studio for pupils to record voice overs, podcasts and certified exam performances.
In School we have two gym halls and a floodlit all-weather court for playing sports. Once a week our pupils are transported a short distance to our playing fields at Milltimber for an afternoon of sports in the picturesque suburbs of Aberdeen.
Situated in the city centre, our School has easy access to the fantastic selection of sporting facilities Aberdeen has to offer, such as Aberdeen Sports Village, Aberdeen Snowsports Centre, award-winning golf courses and our River Dee boathouse which we share with Robert Gordon’s University. There are also numerous locations to watch and perform music, such as His Majestys Theatre, Cowdry Hall and the AECC.
To find out more about our school, visit www.albynschool.co.uk.
Boarding at Albyn
Traditionally a boarding school until the mid-nineties, Albyn School reverted back to its roots in August 2016 and reintroduced boarding. Unlike traditional boarding houses, our boarders reside in a stunning three storey Victorian house with original period features located in one of the safest areas of Aberdeen. There is a secure entry system fitted on all entrances to the house. To ensure the safety of your child, pupils will never be in the house without a member of staff present.
The bedrooms boast large bay windows, substantial storage, a desk, a sizable bed and ensuite facilities. The pupils have a choice of two living room areas. There is a room with a TV, cosy seating area and a coffee table. They also use a conservatory which has a door leading out to the garden. This large room with comfortable couches and a large dining table is where the boarders relax, read and dine in the evening.
Main meals are provided in the house by our brilliant catering team. Only the freshest, seasonal and locally sourced ingredients will be used by our chefs. With different nationalities of pupils living in our boarding house, our chefs prepare delicious meals to suit different tastes and preferences from around the world. The kitchen is a social area for our boarders who have access to the cooking facilities where they can make their own meals. In order to better prepare our pupils for university life once they leave Albyn School, pupils will learn how to cook and use household appliances such as the washing machines.
Our two resident boarding staff provide care, support, and encouragement for the boarders. The School offers a choice of either full-time or weekly boarding. Through the week, they will aid the pupils in their studies and encourage a hard-working atmosphere so that the pupils can experience a more relaxing weekend where trips and activities are organised locally and further afield.
Our boarding house provides a comfortable and welcoming ‘home-from-home’ that has attracted pupils from all over the world and is something we intend to expand in the future.
Aberdeen
For those unfamiliar with the city, Aberdeen is a small but vibrant port city that is considered to be the Energy Capital of Europe. According to the Independent (2016), Aberdeen is the safest city in Scotland and the fourth safest city in the United Kingdom. Scotland has also recently been voted the most beautiful country in the world (Rough Guide 2017).
With a population of around 220,000, the city provides a selection of shopping centres, cinemas, restaurants and a 19th century theatre that hosts ballets, operas and musicals. There is also a beautiful beach just five minutes away from the city centre.
In Aberdeenshire, you will find 55 golf courses, stunning beaches and lakes, 300 castles to explore and 5 ski resorts.
Albyn School is very accessible. Aberdeen International Airport is less than 30 minutes away by car, the train station is 20 minutes away on foot and the School is situated on main bus routes, making it is very easy to travel in and around Aberdeen.
There are two universities in Aberdeen. Robert Gordon University is one of the top university in Scotland for graduate employment, well-known for its outstanding facilities and business connections. The University of Aberdeen was founded in 1495 and is consistently ranked as one of the top universities in the world. Located in Old Aberdeen, the University is renowned for its research performance and its historic buildings with state- of-the- art facilities for learning, research and recreation.
Best known for being the heart of the oil and gas industry, Aberdeen offers many different employment opportunities in legal, accountancy, scientific and architectural firms. Aberdeen provides great opportunities for those destined for a bright future!
To learn more about Aberdeen, visit www.visitabdn.com