Aberdeen Grammar School
Address
Skene Street

Aberdeen
,
AB10 1HT

Scotland
Coordinates57°08′49″N 2°06′54″W / 57.1468581°N 2.115042°W / 57.1468581; -2.115042
Information
TypeSecondary school
MottoBon Record
Establishedc. 1257 (1257)
Local authorityAberdeen City Council
RectorAlison Murison, Ma(Hons) (2015–present)
Staff77 (2018)[1]
GenderCoeducational (all boys previously)
Age11 to 18
Enrolment1,120 (2018)[1]
Houses  Byron
  Keith and Dun
  Melvin
Colour(s)Blue, Red, White
     
AlumniAberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils Club
WebsiteAberdeen Grammar School

Aberdeen Grammar School is a state secondary school in Aberdeen, Scotland. It is one of thirteen secondary schools run by the Aberdeen City Council educational department.[2]

It is the oldest school in the city and one of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom, with a history spanning more than 750 years.[3] Founded around 1257, the year used in official school records, it began operating as a boys' school. On Skene Street, near the centre of the city, it was originally situated on Schoolhill, near the current site of Robert Gordon's College.[4] It moved to its current site in 1863, and became co-educational in 1973.[3]

In 1970 the school's name was changed by the City of Aberdeen Education Committee to a more accurate, less ceremonial "Rubislaw Academy" but in 1977 the name was reverted to "Aberdeen Grammar School" by the Grampian Regional Council, who at that point were responsible for education in Aberdeen.[5]

Although the school is named Aberdeen Grammar School, the school is not a Grammar School, The state school does not choose its own students and instead has a catchment zone like other schools in Aberdeen, Scotland.

In an annual survey run by the British broadsheet newspaper The Times, Aberdeen Grammar was rated the 15th best Scottish state secondary school in 2019, and second in Aberdeen behind Cults Academy.[6]

The most notable former student is Lord Byron, the Romantic poet and writer who spent a short amount of time at the school before his move back to England as a 10 year old. A statue of him was erected in the front courtyard of the school. Alumni include Scottish international footballer Russell Anderson and mathematician Hector Munro Macdonald.[7]

History

Early history

The school coat of arms
A certificate awarded to a pupil in 1915 for success in Maths, English, Greek, Latin, and French.

The exact date of the school's founding is unknown; however, research done to mark the school's 750th anniversary led to the belief it was formed in c. 1257, which is the date that is now used for official school purposes.[8] The earliest documented date of its existence is in the Burgh Records of 1418, when the Lord Provost and Council nominated John Homyll to replace the recently deceased Andrew of Chivas as "Master of the Schools".[3] Originally on Schoolhill, near the site of the current Robert Gordon's College, the curriculum consisted of Latin, Greek and ancient geography.[3][4]

In 1580, new pupils were reprimanded, under the penalty of £10, if they did not show good behaviour or did not listen to their Magistrates or masters.[9] In 1612, the pupils, many of whom were related to the gentry in the country, rioted with pistols and hagbuts, and took over part of the school. The masters stopped the riot, and 21 pupils were expelled, while some were arrested.[9]

Recent history

In 1986, the original building was devastated by a fire, destroying most of the rooms including the large library, a collection of Byron's notebooks, the trophy room and other classrooms, although the historic facade was mostly undamaged.[10]

The modular building that was painted pink as part of a prank on "muck-up day" in 2002

The school and FPs club own the 18-acre (73,000 m2) Rubislaw Playing Fields at a site about a mile away from the main school building.[4][11] Shared with the former pupils' club, the location has rugby union pitches with a stand, football pitches, grass hockey pitches and an artificial hockey pitch built in 2005.[4][12]

In recent years the school has been the site of a number of newsworthy events, including a protest against PETA, the painting pink of an entire temporary classroom block, and a bomb threat.[13][14]

The school marked its 750th anniversary year in 2007 with a series of fund-raising events, the proceeds of which went towards buying a new school minibus.[15] Also in 2007, work was completed on a new gymnasium, begun two years previously.[16]

In February 2019, the school was shut for a suspected gas leak.[17][18]

Present day

Today the school is run by Aberdeen City Council in accordance with the Scottish Executive's educational guidelines for state schools. In the 2013/14 academic year, the education of each pupil at the Grammar School specifically cost £4,252.[19]

In the session 2018–2019, 61% of leavers received a qualification equivalent of five Highers or more. Furthermore, 83% gained 5 or more National 5s and 27% gained 2 or more Advanced Highers.[20]

Pupils and catchment area

About 1100 pupils attend the school each year, between the ages of about 11 to 18. The school's catchment area centres on the west end of the city, including Rosemount and Mannofield. There are four main primary schools that feed into the school, located throughout the centre and west-end of Aberdeen: Ashley Road Primary School, Gilcomstoun Primary School, Mile-End School and Skene Square Primary School.[21][4] Under the Parent's Charter, children from other areas can attend the school after successful application by parents. Places using this method are limited for each year.[21]

As of 2023, of the schools in Scotland with the ten highest academic achievements, the school has the most inexpensive houses within its catchment zone.[22]

Colour System & Achievements

Three colour awards are made. The first, 'Bronze Colours', issued in the third year of the school, are represented by a red ribbon on the breast pocket of the school blazer. This level requires two years of participation in an extra-curricular activity.[23]

The second, 'Silver Colours' are awarded in fifth or sixth year and represented by a light blue tie (replacing the navy, red and white tie). Pupils must be participating in the activity throughout fourth and fifth year for this award.[23]

The third, 'Gold Colours' is the final level of the colours system. Pupils must demonstrate a very high level of attainment, performance and achievement to be eligible for this award. It is represented by red braiding outlining the rims of the school blazer.[23]

'International Colours' are awarded to pupils who have represented their country at international level. It is marked by silver braiding around the blazer.[23]

'Citizenship Colours' are awarded for an outstanding contribution to the school community and are represented by a silver tie.[23]

Rectors

The rector is the head of the school. Records show there were 26 rectors between 1418 and 1881.[24]

Name Incumbency
Dr James Cromar[25] 1803-1825
DM Andrew[26] 1924–1942
Henry Fife Morland Simpson 1893–1920[27]
Rev Dr William Barrack[28] 1860 to 1868

Notable alumni and teachers

References

  1. 1 2 "Aberdeen Grammar School". Parentzone Scotland. Archived from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 23 March 2018.
  2. ↑ "List of Aberdeen City schools". Aberdeen City Council. Archived from the original on 8 October 2022. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  3. 1 2 3 4 "School History". Aberdeen Grammar School. 2006. Archived from the original on 22 February 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2007.
  4. 1 2 3 4 5 Aberdeen. Placemark key on left (Map). Google Maps. 2007. Archived from the original on 22 August 2014. Retrieved 29 September 2016.
  5. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar School : History Aberdeen Grammar School". www.take2theweb.com. Archived from the original on 24 June 2016. Retrieved 6 May 2023.
  6. ↑ "Top 100 Scottish Secondary Schools". 24 November 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  7. 1 2 "Hector Munro Macdonald". School of Mathematics, St Andrews. Archived from the original on 6 August 2011. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  8. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar School | Provenance | Provenance | The University of Aberdeen". University of Aberdeen. Archived from the original on 18 January 2017. Retrieved 16 January 2017.
  9. 1 2 Turreff, Gavin (1859). Antiquarian Gleanings from Aberdeenshire Records. King. p. 65. ISBN 1-4326-3337-6. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  10. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar School Aberdeen". Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education. 2000. Archived from the original on 4 June 2011. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
  11. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils". Former Pupils' Club. Archived from the original on 29 September 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  12. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar Rugby". Aberdeen Grammar Rugby. Archived from the original on 12 December 2007. Retrieved 7 December 2007.
  13. ↑ "Milk protest turns sour". Edinburgh: The Scotsman. 12 October 2002. Archived from the original on 11 February 2007. Retrieved 30 January 2007.
  14. ↑ "Charges over "threatening call"". BBC News. 13 November 2007. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 18 November 2007.
  15. ↑ "s1 event overview". 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
  16. ↑ "Aberdeen Grammar School News". Aberdeen Grammar School. Archived from the original on 19 December 2007. Retrieved 6 December 2007.
  17. ↑ Beattie, Kieran. "Pupils sent home after suspected gas leak in Aberdeen". Press and Journal. Archived from the original on 28 February 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  18. ↑ Morrice, Emma. "Aberdeen academy to reopen after suspected gas leak". Evening Express. Archived from the original on 2 March 2019. Retrieved 1 March 2019.
  19. ↑ "North East Secondary School Spending". Evening Express. 2015. Archived from the original on 20 December 2016. Retrieved 4 December 2016.
  20. ↑ "Top 100 Scottish Secondary Schools". 24 November 2019. Archived from the original on 13 December 2019. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  21. 1 2 "School Prospectus 2018" (PDF). Aberdeen Grammar School. 2018. Archived (PDF) from the original on 18 October 2018. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  22. ↑ Davies, Matilda (8 September 2023). "Houses near top Scottish secondary schools carry £100,000 premium". The Times. Retrieved 22 October 2023.
  23. 1 2 3 4 5 "Aberdeen Grammar School Colours Criteria". Aberdeen Grammar School. Archived from the original on 14 December 2019. Retrieved 24 December 2019.
  24. ↑ "Schoolhill". The Doric Columns. Archived from the original on 1 March 2013. Retrieved 28 May 2007.
  25. ↑ Henderson, John Alexander (1912). History of the Society of Advocates in Aberdeen. Aberdeen University Studies. No. 60. United Kingdom: Printed for the University [by Milne and Hutchison]. p. 138. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 18 March 2023.
  26. ↑ "Aberdeen Teaching Appointment". The Glasgow Herald. 25 October 1941. p. 2. Archived from the original on 27 March 2023. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  27. ↑ "Formation of the Club". Aberdeen Grammar School Former Pupils Club. Archived from the original on 3 December 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  28. ↑ Thomas Alexander Lee (2006). Seekers of Truth: The Scottish Founders of Modern Public Accountancy. Kidlington, Oxford: Elsevier. ISBN 9780762312986. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 8 November 2020.
  29. ↑ "Russell Anderson Player Profile". afc.co.uk. Aberdeen F.C. Archived from the original on 23 May 2013. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  30. ↑ "Life of great Aberdonian celebrated". University of Aberdeen. 1 February 2012. Archived from the original on 19 September 2012. Retrieved 11 July 2013.
  31. ↑ "Archived copy". Archived from the original on 28 June 2023. Retrieved 25 August 2023.{{cite web}}: CS1 maint: archived copy as title (link)
  32. ↑ "The Life of George Noel Gordon, Lord Byron". English History. Archived from the original on 21 March 2013. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  33. ↑ "Zoey Clark". The Press and Journal. Archived from the original on 24 June 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  34. ↑ "Obituary: Robin Cook". BBC News. 6 August 2005. Archived from the original on 26 July 2008. Retrieved 26 December 2007.
  35. ↑ "Martin Dalby". Chester Music. Archived from the original on 4 December 2010. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  36. ↑ "Fellow details". London: The Royal Society. Retrieved 18 October 2018.
  37. ↑ Sandrone, S.; Zanin, E. (2014). "David Ferrier (1843–1928)" (PDF). J Neurol. 261 (6): 1247–8. doi:10.1007/s00415-013-7023-y. hdl:20.500.11850/383939. PMID 23846770. S2CID 2849337. Archived (PDF) from the original on 24 February 2020. Retrieved 13 December 2019.
  38. ↑ Terry Friedman (1984). James Gibbs. Yale University Press. p. 4. ISBN 0-300-03172-6.
  39. ↑ "Welcome to VORTEX, War Art & Artists". Archived from the original on 2 November 2010. Retrieved 12 December 2010.
  40. ↑ "Mr Iain Gray". University of Bristol. Archived from the original on 1 October 2023. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  41. ↑ Chisholm, Hugh, ed. (1911). "Masson, David" . Encyclopædia Britannica. Vol. 17 (11th ed.). Cambridge University Press. p. 870.
  42. ↑ "Melvin Collection". University of Aberdeen, Library, Special Collections and Museums. Archived from the original on 2 December 2013. Retrieved 24 November 2013.
  43. ↑ "John James Rickard MacLeod (1876 – 1935)". Aberdeen Medico-Chirurgical Society. Archived from the original on 9 June 2020. Retrieved 23 June 2020.
  44. ↑ "Aberdeen Bach Choir". Archived from the original on 3 September 2011. Retrieved 15 November 2010.
  45. ↑ "John Bryce McLeod". School of Mathematics, St Andrews. Archived from the original on 13 May 2015. Retrieved 19 August 2015.
  46. ↑ "Michael Sheard". Press & Journal. Archived from the original on 9 May 2022. Retrieved 10 May 2022.
  47. ↑ "Scotland the What?". About Aberdeen. Archived from the original on 10 November 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  48. ↑ Fraser, W. Hamish; Lee, Clive Howard (2000). Aberdeen, 1800–2000: A New History. Dundurn. p. 36. ISBN 978-1-86232-108-3.
  49. ↑ "William Smith II - Basic Biographical Details". Dictionary of Scottish Architects. Archived from the original on 2 November 2013. Retrieved 1 November 2013.
  50. ↑ "Actress and Former Pupil Annie Wallace to Visit School". Aberdeen Grammar School. Archived from the original on 30 December 2021. Retrieved 30 December 2021.
  51. ↑ "Wedderburn, David" Archived 14 February 2016 at the Wayback Machine, Oxford Dictionary of National Biography
  52. ↑ "Origin and meaning of the word "golf"". Scottish Golf History. Archived from the original on 12 December 2007. Retrieved 21 December 2007.
  53. ↑ Turreff, Gavin (1859). Antiquarian Gleanings from Aberdeenshire Records. King. p. 296. ISBN 1-4326-3337-6.
  54. ↑ "Obituary Professor John David Maitland Wright FRSE". University of Aberdeen. Archived from the original on 29 September 2023. Retrieved 19 September 2023.
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