Albyn Athlete Secures US University Scholarship After Outstanding Higher Results

Nathan L, who has just completed S5, will fly to Tennessee this week to begin his studies at Tusculum University after achieving an impressive four A grades and one B in his Higher examinations.

Nathan, who joined Albyn in 2024, achieved A grades in PE, Maths, English and Accounting, alongside a B in Physics. The results have helped him to secure a strong Grade Point Average (GPA), a system used by colleges and universities in the US to measure a pupil’s academic performance, and therefore strengthening his application for a scholarship while allowing him to continue competing in athletics at an elite level.

"I'm really chuffed with the results," said Nathan. "I'm hoping to major in finance, so getting an A in Accounting is really good, I'm particularly pleased with that. I also got an A1 in Maths, which I'm really happy about. I was worried about the first paper, so I was delighted to see I'd done well."

Nathan will study Accounting and Entrepreneurship at Tusculum University, a destination he has been working towards while balancing the demands of elite-level athletics with his academic studies.

"I fly out to Tennessee this week and I'm really excited," he said. "Athletics is my passion and, if I'm honest, I've always prioritised sport, but doing sport alongside my studies has given me so many transferable skills."

Nathan believes maintaining his training schedule throughout the exam period played a key role in his success.

"Regular training meant I had to be disciplined. I'd do an hour of revision with full focus and then head to training. It stopped me procrastinating and helped me make the most of my study time."

Reflecting on the importance of his exam results, Nathan added: "Even my National 5 results have helped me achieve a really high GPA. It made me realise that every exam matters and can have an impact later on, so I'd encourage younger pupils to keep working hard because you never know where those results might take you."

Nichola Crawford, Deputy Head at Albyn School and Aberdeen Amateur Athletic Club (AAAC) Endurance Coach, said: "Nathan has made tremendous progress over the last 12 months. His dedication, commitment and determination to keep improving have been evident in everything he has done, both academically and in athletics. He has worked incredibly hard to earn this opportunity at Tusculum University, and we couldn't be prouder of what he has achieved.”

Nichola continued…

"The opportunities and experiences available to student-athletes in the USA are exceptional. Nathan is one of six Albyn School pupils over the last six years to embark on the collegiate pathway, joining fellow students who have gone on to study while competing in rowing and track and cross-country athletics. Nathan will have the chance to continue his education while training and competing in a highly competitive collegiate athletics programme, supported by first-class facilities and coaching. It is an experience that will help him develop not only as an athlete, but also as a person, preparing him for whatever path he chooses in the future. We are excited to see all that he will accomplish and wish him every success."

Everyone at Albyn School congratulates Nathan on his excellent results and wishes him the best of luck in his next chapter.