What is the admissions process, and how competitive is entry?
Following your initial enquiry via our Registrar, you will be warmly invited to visit the school. We always recommend visiting on a weekday morning during term time, so you can experience Ardvreck in full swing, but we will do our very best to be flexible to suit your family’s schedule.

If you feel Ardvreck might be the right fit, we will then invite your child for a taster day or boarding experience. It is a wonderful opportunity for them to explore life here, meet new friends, and for us to ensure we can fully support their needs before offering a place.

We are proud to be a non-selective school, welcoming children of all abilities, and we believe every child should have the chance to thrive in our adventurous, nurturing environment.

Do you have entrance assessments or interviews for applicants?
Taster days are an important part of the admissions process and allow your child to get to know the school, the grounds and their future classmates. A school brother or sister will look after your child during the day (or overnight for boarders) and will help your child immerse themselves in a school day to include lessons, games, art and music. Each child will wear our school uniform and have a gentle assessment carried out by their form teacher. These taster days are invaluable as they also give us the chance to get to know your child before we offer them a place.

How far in advance should we apply?
We always recommend that parents apply for a place as early as possible, ideally as soon as you begin thinking about schools for your child. While we understand that life events like job changes or house moves can make early applications tricky, the sooner you apply, the better — some of our year groups fill up quickly, and early registration helps to avoid disappointment.

Please note, registration (which includes a £150 fee) does not automatically guarantee a place, unless your child has already completed a taster and assessment and an offer has been made. However, by registering, you will be added to our admissions list and kept up to date with news, events, and school updates ahead of your child’s potential start.

Do you offer places throughout the year, or only at specific entry points?
Most pupils join us in September, at the start of our academic year, but we also welcome new pupils in January (Spring Term) and April (Summer Term). In fact, the Summer Term can be a lovely time to start, with lighter, longer days and a gentle introduction to school life before the new academic year begins.

We are also able to support children joining us mid-term, and we will always do our utmost to ensure a smooth, happy transition whenever your family is ready.

What curriculum do you follow (e.g., UK National Curriculum, ISEB, IB, Montessori elements)?
Our pupils primarily work towards the ISEB Common Entrance 13+ examinations, providing a strong academic foundation while also encouraging a spirit of adventurous learning. Within this structure, we offer bespoke pathways that cater to all levels of achievement, ensuring that every child -whether they are quietly diligent or feistily inquisitive - can thrive. 

How do you support children with different learning abilities, including gifted students and those needing extra help?
Children are supported in the classroom by their subject teachers, who are adept at identifying both academic potential and areas where additional help may be needed. When extra support is required, our fantastic and proactive Learning Support department works closely with both pupils and staff to offer tailored guidance, including 1:1 sessions or small group interventions. Whether a child is gifted and ready for more adventurous challenges or needs a more structured approach, we are ready to support their learning at every step they take.

Do you teach foreign languages? If so, which ones and from what age?
Yes, we teach both French and Latin to all pupils as part of our academic curriculum. These subjects are introduced at an early age to build a strong linguistic foundation and to instil confidence, curiosity, and a sense of adventure in exploring different cultures.

What is your approach to homework and independent learning?
Homework is regularly set to reinforce classroom learning, but always with the understanding that pupils may need support - which is provided when they complete their homework at prep sessions in school each evening. Teachers remain actively involved, offering guidance to ensure that tasks are both academically meaningful and manageable. This carefully balanced approach helps pupils develop the independence and confidence they need to succeed, while still feeling supported in a caring, community-minded environment.

How do you prepare children for secondary school entry, including Common Entrance or 11+ exams?
We prepare pupils for a range of senior school assessments, including the ISEB Common Entrance exams, and bespoke scholarship pathways. Each child follows a tailored route that reflects their future school choices, ensuring that they are fully equipped, academically and emotionally, for the next stage. Small class sizes allow for individual attention and specialist guidance, enabling pupils to approach their exams with resilience and a feisty determination.

What is your approach to pastoral care and emotional wellbeing?
At Ardvreck School our focus is on supporting a culture of positive wellbeing, and embedding an ethos within Ardvreck School where wellbeing is the responsibility of all.  

We communicate openly and honestly with, and encourage open and honest communication from parents, staff and pupils.

We are committed to providing a healthy and caring environment that promotes a positive culture, where pupils, staff and parents feel comfortable to speak about their wellbeing or mental health and feel supported. 

When individuals have a sense of wellbeing they perform better and have happier lives.

Do you have a school counsellor or wellbeing programme?
For pupils the wellbeing programme consists of:

• A member of the wellbeing team/member of staff available most break times
• Notices around school signposting available support 
• Regular assemblies and tutor time/PSHE activities to improve knowledge and awareness of Wellbeing and Mental Health
• Opportunities for pupils to be involved with extracurricular activities to support and encourage positive mental health and wellbeing (eg music/teams/fun activities
• Commendations to celebrate Fantastic, Feisty, Adventurous and Academic efforts and achievements
• A safe space - ‘Wellbeing Rooms’ and ‘Wellbeing wander walks’ for pupils to find a safe space or requiring further information/support for wellbeing
• School counsellor visits weekly (can be accessed with parental permission)
• Forming positive relationships with other pupils and staff
• A buddy (school sister/brother) system for all new pupils whether arriving at the start or part way through a school year. 
• New pupils are invited to spend time at Ardvreck, formally or informally to meet and form new friendships with peers and staff before starting at the school. 

We are always introducing new initiatives and ideas to support wellbeing, and a bespoke wellbeing programme will be introduced from September 2025 - with weekly wellbeing themes that will be discussed during daily tutor times.

How do you ensure children settle in, especially if they join mid-year?
We realise and ensure the importance of forming positive relationships with other pupils and staff. A buddy (school sister/brother) system is put in place for all new pupils whether arriving at the start or part way through a school year.

Do you offer music, drama, and the arts as part of the curriculum?
At Ardvreck School, the creative arts are an essential and celebrated part of our curriculum, offering every child the opportunity to explore and develop their talents in music, drama, and the visual arts.

Music is a core subject at Ardvreck, with all pupils enjoying class music lessons, as well as opportunities to join choirs, instrumental ensembles, and perform in school concerts and community events. Individual tuition is available for a wide range of instruments, and many of our pupils achieve ABRSM and Trinity music exam success.

Drama is woven throughout school life, both in lessons and through regular performances. From class assemblies to full-scale plays, festive nativities and our musical productions, every child has the chance to grow in confidence, creativity, and stagecraft. 

Art and design is another cornerstone of our curriculum. Pupils work with a variety of media and techniques, often taking inspiration from our stunning natural surroundings in the Scottish Highlands, and many go on to win scholarships and awards in the arts.

At Ardvreck, we believe that the arts are vital in developing well-rounded, expressive, and confident young people, and we are proud to offer a rich, inclusive programme for all.

What clubs and extracurricular activities do you provide?
At Ardvreck School, we believe that a rich co-curricular life is essential to developing confident, curious, and well-rounded young people. We are proud to offer a diverse and ever-growing programme of extracurricular clubs and activities designed to inspire and challenge every child.

Current clubs and activities include:

What makes Ardvreck truly special is that pupils are actively encouraged to suggest and start their own clubs. If a child has a passion they would like to share - whether it is photography, coding, birdwatching or baking - we will help them set up a club, gather like-minded friends, and give them the space to make it happen.

This approach ensures our extracurricular offering remains fresh, dynamic, and entirely pupil-centred, because at Ardvreck, every child’s voice and interests matter.

Do you offer full, weekly, or flexi-boarding options?
Ardvreck School offers a range of boarding options to suit the needs of modern families, providing flexibility and a home-from-home experience for our pupils.

We offer:

• Full Boarding - for pupils who stay with us throughout the week and weekends, enjoying our vibrant programme of evening and weekend activities.
• Weekly Boarding - where pupils board from Monday to Saturday and return home for weekends.
• Flexi-Boarding - a popular option for families who need occasional overnight stays, whether for one night, a few days, or during busy periods at home.

Boarding at Ardvreck is warm, lively, and full of character. Our experienced house staff create a welcoming, family atmosphere, and pupils quickly feel part of our extended Ardvreck community. Many day pupils also choose to flexi-board to join in the fun of evening events, movie nights, and weekend adventures.

How do you support young boarders settling into school life?
We understand that boarding, especially for young children, is a big adventure, and we are passionate about making that transition as happy, supportive, and seamless as possible.

Our approach is centred on warmth, care, and community. New boarders are gently welcomed into the school with an individualised induction programme, ensuring they feel settled, secure, and part of the Ardvreck family from day one.

Key elements of our support include:

• A dedicated ‘boarding buddy’ system, pairing new boarders with experienced pupils who help show them the ropes, introduce them to friends, and ease those first-night nerves.
• Warm, approachable house parents and staff who are always on hand for a chat, storytime, or a reassuring word before lights out.
• Fun settling-in weekends and activities, designed to build friendships and help children feel relaxed and at home in their new surroundings.
• Regular communication with families, including photos, updates, and phone calls, so parents feel connected and reassured.

Most importantly, Ardvreck’s boarding community is small, nurturing, and inclusive, where children are known and loved for who they are. By the end of their first week, our young boarders often feel like they’ve been part of Ardvreck forever.

What are the weekend activities for boarders?
Weekends at Ardvreck are packed with fun, adventure, and opportunities to relax and unwind with friends. We offer a varied and exciting programme of activities, making the most of our beautiful Highland setting and the vibrant local area.

Activities include:

• Exploring our wonderful school grounds - from forest adventures and den building, to swimming and team games on the pitches.
• Trips to the cinema
• Scenic walks and hikes in the surrounding hills and countryside
• Fun challenges, themed evenings, and creative workshops within the boarding houses

Our weekend programme is designed to offer something for everyone - whether it is high-energy outdoor fun, a trip into town, or a cosy movie night in the boarding house. Pupil suggestions are always welcome too, meaning no two weekends are ever quite the same!

How do you communicate with parents of boarders?
Ardvreck School places great importance on maintaining open, regular and supportive communication with the families of our boarders.

Our boarding staff are always available to parents through a variety of channels, including phone calls, emails and text messages. To ensure clear and efficient communication, we also set up dedicated WhatsApp groups for boarding staff and parents, providing a convenient way to share updates, photographs and important information.

This system helps parents stay connected to their children’s boarding experience and ensures they feel fully informed and reassured at all times.

Can boarders go home on weekends?
At Ardvreck School, we encourage boarders to remain at school over the weekends to fully experience and enjoy all the activities and community life that boarding offers. However, we understand that some boarders may wish to go home or visit friends, and we are happy to accommodate this should parents or guardians prefer.

We ensure that all boarders have a fulfilling and enjoyable weekend, whether they choose to stay or head home for a break.

Ardvreck’s campus is more than just a collection of buildings and playing fields - it’s a place where children are free to explore, discover, and flourish. Our exceptional facilities are thoughtfully designed to support a balanced, adventurous and enriching education, blending academic focus with outdoor adventure and creative expression.

Swimming Pool
Our newly refurbished indoor swimming pool offers a bright, modern environment for pupils to enjoy regular swimming lessons, water safety training, and fun recreational swims. In the evenings and at weekends, it becomes a favourite spot for boarders to relax, unwind, and stay active. It’s a vital part of our commitment to promoting health, wellbeing, and life-saving water skills.

Wellbeing Room
In today’s fast-paced world, emotional resilience and mental wellbeing are more important than ever. Ardvreck’s dedicated Wellbeing Room is a calm, welcoming space where pupils can take a moment to reflect, talk, or relax when needed. It hosts mindfulness sessions, pastoral support meetings, and quiet creative activities - recognising the importance of pausing, breathing, and caring for our inner worlds as well as our academic and physical selves. These mindful moments are woven throughout Ardvreck life, helping children to build the emotional intelligence and confidence to navigate life’s ups and downs with resilience.

Music School & Art Block
Our dedicated Music School is alive with the sounds of individual lessons, ensemble rehearsals, and choirs preparing for concerts and competitions. The neighbouring Art Block provides an inspiring space for young artists to experiment with techniques, materials, and creative projects, guided by passionate, specialist staff.

Tennis Courts, Pitches & Astro
Ardvreck’s immaculate grounds include multiple tennis courts, cricket and rugby pitches, as well as an all-weather AstroTurf hockey pitch. These spaces host a wide variety of team sports and fixtures, encouraging every pupil to embrace teamwork, resilience, and physical confidence in a beautiful outdoor setting.

High Ropes Course & Jacob’s Ladder
Adventure is at the heart of Ardvreck life, and our newly built high ropes course and exhilarating Jacob’s Ladder challenge pupils to test their courage, teamwork and problem-solving skills. These activities build resilience, self-belief, and leadership in a supportive, fun environment.

Biking Trails
Our network of biking trails weaves through the school’s woodlands and grounds, offering pupils of all ages the chance to develop confidence and skills on two wheels. It’s a firm favourite for after-school adventures and weekend rides.

The ‘Bird’s Nest’
Tucked away amongst the trees, the Bird’s Nest is a charming, peaceful spot where children can sit, read, sketch, or study while surrounded by nature. It offers a valuable opportunity for quiet reflection and mindful moments during the busy school day.

Crabbie — The School Theatre
Crabbie is our dedicated stage for drama, music productions, recitals, and school gatherings. It’s a vibrant, creative hub where pupils gain confidence in performance, public speaking, and artistic expression, whether starring in a school play or performing in a concert.

Gym Hall
Our well-equipped gym hall provides space for indoor sports, fitness training, and PE lessons, whatever the weather. It plays a vital role in developing physical skills and promoting an active, balanced lifestyle for every pupil.

What are the tuition fees, and what do they include?
Fees from January 2025 for the remainder of the 2024/2025 Academic Year 

Little Ardvreck: 

• £4,048 per term (8.30am till 3.15pm)
• After School Club – £20.50 per afternoon session (3.15 pm till 5.30pm or part thereof)

7-13 Years Olds:

• Boarders – £12,731 per term
• Day Pupils – £8,476 per term (Monday-Friday 8.30am till 5.30pm, Saturday 8.30am till 1pm)

The fees include all lunches, snacks, and learning materials. 

Are there additional costs for uniforms, trips, or extracurricular activities?
Yes, the uniform is an additional cost but to keep costs at a minimum we have a second-hand shop and green shop available. 

Some trips are an additional cost but these are kept to a minimum. 

Extracurricular activities are optional and do have an associated cost, however many activities such as Forest School, hockey, rugby, netball, athletics, gymnastics, swimming lessons and many other activities, part-of the school curriculum, are included in our fees. 

Do you offer scholarships or bursaries? If so, what are the eligibility criteria?
Means tested bursaries are available and the allocation of such bursaries is at the discretion of the Finance Committee. 

Are there any payment plans or financial assistance options available?
Monthly payment schemes are available and parents can discuss this method of payment with the Bursar in advance.

Child voucher schemes - The school is willing to accept payment from a number of child voucher schemes. If you do not see the school listed with your provider please discuss the options with the Bursar.

How involved can parents be in school life?
Parents are warmly welcomed as part of the Ardvreck family, and there are plenty of opportunities to be as involved in school life as they wish. From joining the parent choir and cheering on at sports fixtures to taking part in regular events, socials, and Sports Day relays, there is a vibrant, inclusive community spirit here. The Friends of Ardvreck offer another fantastic way to connect with other families and support school initiatives. Equally, for those who prefer to support from a distance, the school ensures parents remain closely connected and informed through regular updates, events, and warm hospitality whenever they visit. It is a flexible, family-centred approach - with involvement tailored entirely to what feels right for each family.

Do you offer parent workshops or events?
Ardvreck School values strong partnerships with families and offers a range of events and opportunities for parents and guardians to be actively involved in school life. These include parent workshops on topics such as online safety, wellbeing and academic support, as well as regular social events, concerts, sports fixtures and open mornings. Parents are warmly invited to attend these occasions, which provide valuable opportunities to connect with staff, other families and the wider school community. We believe that maintaining open and positive relationships with parents contributes significantly to the success and wellbeing of every child in our care.

How diverse and inclusive is the school community?
At Ardvreck School, we believe that true education nurtures not just the mind, but the heart and character - and that begins with fostering an inclusive, welcoming environment where every child feels seen, valued, and supported.

As a small, independent prep school in rural Scotland, we work proactively to ensure our community is open, kind, and reflective of a diverse and modern world. Ardvreck is proudly non-selective in character and champions the individual strengths and talents of every pupil, whether academic, creative, sporting, or pastoral. We actively celebrate neurodiversity and have strong pastoral systems in place to support pupils with additional learning needs or emotional challenges. Our recently introduced Wellbeing Scheme, for example, ensures that pupils of all ages feel connected, supported, and empowered by peer and staff relationships.

Staff training focuses on empathy-led leadership, inclusive teaching practices, and creating a classroom environment where curiosity, kindness, and mutual respect are at the heart of every interaction.

Ardvreck’s ethos is to develop the whole child, instilling in every pupil a sense of belonging, confidence, and responsibility to contribute positively to both their school community and the wider world.

Which senior schools do your students typically move on to?
Pupils have been offered places to Senior schools across the UK and beyond including Ampleforth, Eton, Fettes, Glenalmond, Gordonstoun, Harrow, Kilgraston, King’s Canterbury, Malvern, Marlborough, Merchiston, Milton Abbey, Oundle, Queen Margaret’s York, Radley, Robert Gordon, Rugby, Sedbergh, Sherborne, Shrewsbury, St Mary’s Ascot, St Mary’s Calne, Stowe, Strathallan, Uppingham and Winchester.

How do you support children through the transition to secondary school?
Transitioning to secondary school is a significant step, and we ensure that every pupil is well-prepared—academically, socially, and emotionally. We provide a wide range of support, including dedicated transition sessions, pastoral guidance, and enhanced support for those who may find the change more challenging. Our Learning Support department plays a key role in working with future schools to create smooth handovers. Whether a pupil is feeling feisty and ready for the next adventure, or a little more apprehensive, we ensure they move on with confidence.

Do you help with scholarship or bursary applications for senior schools?
Absolutely. At Ardvreck School, we take great pride in guiding and supporting our pupils and their families through the senior school admissions process, including scholarship applications.

Our dedicated academic and pastoral staff work closely with each family to identify the schools that best suit their child’s abilities, interests, and character. For pupils applying for scholarships - whether academic, music, art, sport, or all-rounder - we provide tailored preparation, including mock interviews, exam coaching, portfolio reviews, and specialist mentoring.

This individualised, hands-on approach has contributed to our outstanding record of success, with around 80% of our leavers achieving scholarships or awards to leading senior schools across the UK.

Above all, we believe in finding the right next step for every child, whether through scholarships, bursary support, or simply ensuring they are confident and well-prepared for the opportunities ahead.