Explore Year Groups
Upper School
Introduction
Proud of Our Impressive Exam Results. Even Prouder of Our Outstanding Pupils.
In Upper School, your child fully explores their potential: discovering the world around them and seizing every possible opportunity.
Intellectual curiosity, independent thought and effective learning habits are at the heart of everything we do, helping our pupils grow into confident, lifelong learners.
We encourage pupils to develop their passions — and discover new ones — through an exceptional and wide-ranging co-curricular programme. Our dedicated team of staff, focussed on what’s best for every single child, guide and support them throughout their learning journey.
Why Families Choose Our Upper School
We foster academic excellence, personal development and global citizenship, preparing our pupils not just for exams but for life beyond Albyn. Here’s a snapshot of what sets us apart —
Small class sizes ensure each pupil has the support and attention they need.
Our ‘Clan’ system builds friendships and teamwork across year groups.
Multiple leadership opportunities, including as Captains, pupil council members, wellbeing ambassadors and prefects.
On-site careers advice, beginning in S1, expertly guides pupils’ decision making.
Specialist Additional Support Needs Faculty.
0%
of pupils achieved A-C grades at National 5 level (2025)
0%
of pupils achieved A-C grades at Higher level (2025)
0%
Over 90% of our S6 pupils go straight on to university
Through our parents eyes:
“Our children have grown in self-confidence since joining Albyn.
Parent of S1 and S4 pupils
FAQs
We have had a ban on smartphones in school since 2015.
During the school day, mobile phones are switched off and put away. Pupils do not have their phones out in classrooms, at break times or at lunchtimes. When the school day is finished, the phones can come out.
We believe that our pupils should focus on spending time with each other properly without the distraction of a phone. This is good for concentration levels and for pupil wellbeing and our pupils respect this.
Devices are used as a learning tool in conjunction with a range of more traditional means of learning and teaching including the use of pen and paper, an important skill for pupils to develop especially as examinations continue to be handwritten. Devices also allow pupils to access information and online resources as well as create content, including movies, interactive books, mind maps, presentations and text documents.
All pupils are required to sign the school’s 'Acceptable Use' Policy. In addition, we use monitoring software to monitor appropriate use of technology during the school day.
Yes! Many families come from overseas to work in our busy and vibrant city which continues to host a large number of international companies. Our teachers are experienced in working with pupils who have been following curricula such as the International Baccalaureate or (I)GCSEs and our entrance assessments for Upper School are designed to take account of this.
During S2, our pupils select their National 5 examination subjects which are studied over two years in S3 and S4. Higher subjects are chosen during S4 for studying in S5, with a mix of Advanced Highers and Highers available for selection during S5 for studying in S6.
Further questions? Don’t hesitate to get in touch
Contact Us
08 August ‘25
Upper School
Albyn Pupil Aiming for Oxford University After Achieving Full Marks in Maths
07 August ‘25
Upper School
Alvin Sets His Sights On Studying Medicine After Outstanding SQA Results
06 August ‘25
Upper School