Welcome to the ultimate guide to Bearsden Academy. Whether you are a prospective parent, a new student, or a member of the local community, navigating school life smoothly requires having the right information at your fingertips.

From term dates and uniform policies to curriculum insights and essential contact details, this comprehensive guide is designed to provide everything you need to know about one of East Dunbartonshire’s top-performing secondary schools.

Bearsden Academy Catchment Area & Boundaries

Bearsden properties prices reflect the school’s status as one of the top state secondary schools in Scotland. East Dunbartonshire Council enforces strict catchment rules and requires proof of residency from prospective pupils/ parents.

88% of pupils at the school live within the catchment area of Bearsden Academy. With a 1,200 capacity, 5% of places are only allocated to those living outside the East Dunbartonshire Council if the intake doesn’t reach capacity.

To guarantee a place at the esteemed school, parents will be required to live in the catchment area.

Feeder Primary Schools for Bearsden Academy

Attending one of the feeder primary schools for Bearsden Academy will guarantee entry to the school.

• Baljaffray Primary School – Located in the outskirts of Bearsden, pupils here can enjoy a semi-open plan layout with beautiful views of the nearby Campsie Hills.
• Bearsden Primary School – Built in 1911, the primary school is centrally located at Bearsden Cross. Serving 430 pupils, with each guaranteed a place at Bearsden Academy.
• Castlehill Primary School – Located on Rosslyn Road on the western side of Beardden, Castlehill is known for its creative arts and real-world learning programme.
• Mosshead Primary School – Approx. 370 pupils attend Mosshead in northern Bearsden. The primary school holds a SportScotland Gold Award and stands out for its extracurricular activities programs.

We should note that a Bearsden address doesn’t mean you will be living within the Bearsden Academy catchment zone. Residential areas in southern Bearsden, Canniesburn, Killermont, and the Westerton commuter zone are in the Boclair Academy boundary.

Areas in Milngavie and further north lay outside the Bearsden Academy catchment zone, including the Milngavie primary schools, Clober, and Craigdhu, all of which come under the Douglas Academy zone.

Bearsden Academy School Holidays

Bearsden Academy follows the East Dunbartonshire Council school schedule. Holidays and return dates for the current academic year are outlined below.

School Meals at Bearsden Academy

Bearsden Academy runs a cashless catering system along with the other East Dunbartonshire secondary schools. Pupils use biometric accounts or Young Scot Cards in the canteen with the standard lunch meal at the school £2.85, that’s set by E Dunbartonshire Council.

School meals at Bearsden Academy run on a 3-week rotating menu schedule and meet the Scottish Government regulations on nutrition.

• Hot Food Hub: Pastas, roast meats, stir-frys, etc., are served with seasonal veggies.
• Snack & Deli Counter: Fast snacks like baked potatoes, baguettes, paninis, salad bowls, etc. are available.
• Dietary Accommodations: Parents/ pupils must register any dietary requirements with the school when transitioning from primary school or when transferred.

Bearsden Academy Curriculum

Bearsden Academy aligns with the Curriculum for Excellence model from the Scottish Government. Education at the school divided into Broad General Education up to third year and the Senior Phase from S4 to S6.

Broad General Education (S1 to S3)

Pupils are taught literacy, numeracy, and health and wellbeing before moving on to learning subjects and skills in national qualifications later.

S1 & S2 Core Foundation

Pupils follow a common, mixed-ability timetable covering eight core curricular areas: English, Mathematics, Sciences (taught discretely from S2), Social Subjects (History, Geography, Modern Studies), Technologies, Expressive Arts, Religious and Moral Education (RME), and Physical Education.

French is established as the primary Modern Foreign Language (MFL) in S1, with Spanish introduced in S2.

S3 Personalisation & Choice

The curriculum narrows slightly in S3 to allow pupils to prepare for national exams. Students typically select nine subjects across the broad curricular bands, enabling them to study up to three sciences or two modern languages.

While continuing their core PE, Personal and Social Education (PSE), and Religious, Moral and Philosophical Studies (RMPS).

Senior Phase (S4 to S6)

Senior Phase at Bearsden Academy is implemented into the curriculum of S4, S5, and S6. Pupils can learn in the same classrooms, depending on the subjects and level of study.

S4 Academic Level

In S4, pupils narrow their focus from nine subjects down to six National Qualifications. The vast majority of students sit these at National 5 (N5) level, while some courses are assessed at National 4 (N4), which relies on internal unit assessments rather than a final external SQA exam.

English and Mathematics remain compulsory elements of the S4 timetable.

S5 Academic Level (The Higher Track)

S5 is the most critical academic year for university entry profiles. Pupils select a maximum of five subjects to pursue over a rigorous one-year track.

Highers

Thanks to the school’s exceptional teaching framework, 79% of the cohort successfully achieve 5 or more Higher passes by the end of S5.

Subject Options

Subjects span advanced faculties including Higher Accounting, Business Management, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Human Biology, Computing Science, Modern Studies, History, Geography, Music Technology, and Art & Design.

S6 Academic Level (Advanced Options)

S6 is designed to bridge the gap between secondary school and independent higher education or professional employment. Pupils are required to maintain a minimum of four active courses on their timetable, selecting from three distinct progression streams:

Bearsden Academy Famous Alumni

What famous people went to Bearsden Academy? Quite a few!

• Moira Shearer: Internationally acclaimed prima ballerina and actress, best known for her starring role in the iconic 1948 film The Red Shoes.
• Alex Kapranos: Lead vocalist and guitarist of the Brit Award-winning and Grammy-nominated indie rock band Franz Ferdinand.
• Edwyn Collins: Influential musician, producer, and frontman of the 1980s post-punk band Orange Juice, famous for the global hit A Girl Like You.
• Martin Suckling: Celebrated contemporary classical composer and violinist, formerly the Associated Composer for the Royal Scottish National Orchestra.
• Dame Katherine Grainger DBE: One of Britain’s most decorated Olympians. The rower won medals at five consecutive Olympic Games (including Gold at London 2012) and currently serves as the Chair of UK Sport.
• Ross Greer MSP: Notable politician and Member of the Scottish Parliament (MSP) for the West Scotland region, who became the youngest ever MSP elected in Scottish history in 2016.

Bearsden Academy Uniform

Pupils at Bearsden Academy need to follow a strict uniform policy. Dress codes are the same for all students regardless of gender.

• School Blazer: Black wool blazer with the Bearsden Academy crest must be worn by all students from S1 to S6.
• Shirt/Blouse: Long or short-sleeved white shirt or blouse with a collar buttoned to the neck.
• School Tie: Bearsden Academy tie with knot covering the top button of the shiny.
• Trousers: Full-length black trousers with no emblems or designs. Jeans, leggings, etc., are not allowed at Bearsden Academy.
• Skirts: Black tailored skirts worn at an appropriate length.
• Knitwear: Pupils are allowed to wear an optional cardigan or black v-neck jumped in winter. The school tie must still be visible.
• Footwear: Plain dark shoes.

Forbidden Attire

Bearsden Academy pupils are strictly not allowed to wear casual or sports trainers in class. Branded white or coloured trainers are only allowed in PE class.

Denim jackets, football strips, or any clothes with a football colour or logo are forbidden.

Headwear for religious or medical reasons is allowed on school grounds, but hats, caps, etc., must be removed before entering any school buildings.

PE KIT

Pupils must bring a change of clothes for PE class.

• Tops: No football strips or branded t-shirts should be worn. A white or dark t-shirt is fine.
• Shorts/ joggers: Athletic shorts or joggers should be worn without any football emblems or brands.
• Trainers: Non-marking sole trainers for indoor or outdoors.

Helpful Links for Parents & Pupils

Find a few useful links for potential and current pupils below.

• Parents Portal – East Dunbartonshire Parent Portal allows parents to track attendance, school holidays, events, book parents’ evening appointment times, and more.
• Bearsden Academy School Lunch Menu – Check the latest lunch menus for the school and pay into the account.
• Apply for Free School Transport – Find out if your child is entitled to free school travel to Bearsden Academy.
• Free School Meals & Clothing Grant – Apply for free school meals and help with clothing through the East Dunbartonshire Council website.

FAQs

Find answers to some common questions for parents of pupils going to Bearsden Academy.

Is Bearsden Academy a Private School?

No, Bearsden Academy is not a private school. The high school is wrongly assumed to be a private school due to the wealthier area it’s based in, the high performing students, and curriculum.

Is Bearsden Academy a Good School?

Yes, Bearsden Academy is a good school with a high ranking among secondary schools in Scotland. The enrolment capacity is met every year, and many parents move to the Bearsden Academy catchment area just to gain a place for their children.

What are The Bearsden Academy Fees?

Zero. Bearsden Academy pupils don’t pay tuition – much to the surprise of some. With such high academic results and an excellent inspection rating, many believe the school is a private secondary school. The school is situated in an affluent area of Scotland, so parents might not be paying tuition fees, but they will be paying a premium for property in the catchment area.