FAQs

Q1. What is the admissions procedure?
A1.

Admissions Procedure

Complete an application form for the relevant section in the school and provide a copy of a recent report

Arrange a tour with our Admissions and Marketing Manager

Arrange for your child to spend a day in their current year group

Assessment during your day at Albyn or in January prior to the year of entry

Assessment result and offer letter if applicable

Acceptance

Welcome to Albyn

Q2: When can we arrange a visit to the school and when can we apply for entry?
A visit can be arranged at any time by making an appointment with our Marketing and Admissions Manager – Miss Gemma Neal on 01224 498106. Applications can be made throughout the year. The entrance assessments for Upper I take place in January and it is preferable that applications are received no later than the 31st of December.

Q3: Is there a fee for registering my child?
There is a £25 non-refundable registration fee when you apply for entry to Albyn. You only have to register once.

Q4: From what age do you accept pupils?
If places are available we can accept pupils from the age of 2 in our Harriet House Toddler unit up to the age of 18 in Upper VI.

Q5. Are the dates of birth used to determine a pupil’s year of entry to school the same as in England?
No. In England, 1 September is the cut-off date while in Scotland, it is 1 March. As a result, pupils in England tend to be older than their Scottish counterparts when they leave school.

Q6: How many boys do you have in the school?
We are currently 47% male in the Lower School.

Q7: How many classes per year are there in the Lower School?
There are two classes per year (alpha and beta) of 20 pupils per class.

Q8: How many classes are there in the Upper School?
There are 3 classes per year (alpha, beta and gamma) in the Upper School with 20 pupils per class.

Q9: If my child is in your pre-school is the entry to Lower 1 guaranteed?
No, all children must undergo an entrance assessment.

Q10: What is the Entrance Assessment for the Lower School and is there any preparation?
For Lower 1 to Lower 3 we informally assess candidates in English and Maths and for Lower 4 to Lower 7, the candidates sit a written assessment in English and Maths. We strongly encourage candidates to spend the day with us to get a feel for what being an Albyn pupil is like. There is no preparation for the Lower School entrance assessment.

Q11: When are the entrance assessments held for UI and what is assessed?
The entrance assessments for Upper I are held in January prior to the August of entry. All pupils seeking a place in Upper I sit examinations in English, Maths and Verbal Reasoning. There is no preparation for these tests. For external candidates, previous school reports are compulsory.

Q12. If a place isn’t currently available, do you operate a waiting list?
Yes. If a year group becomes full we will operate a waiting list for pupils who have passed the entrance requirements. Places can become available quite quickly so we advise all parents to apply as waiting lists constantly change.

Q13: How are candidates assessed for entry to Upper II to Upper IV?
For entry in to Upper II, Upper III and Upper IV candidates must provide a copy of a recent school report and will be formally assessed in English and Maths. Wherever possible, we encourage the candidates to spend a day at Albyn so each Head of Department can informally assess them to find out what has been studied. All applicants will also be interviewed.

Q14: How are candidates assessed for entry into Upper V and Upper VI?
For entry into Upper V and Upper VI, candidates must provide a copy of a recent school report and (if applicable) the results of any public examinations that they have sat. We encourage the candidates to spend a day to take part in their chosen subjects so each Head of Department can informally assess them to find out what has been studied. If they have any coursework, it would be helpful to bring this along. The candidates will finish the day with a short interview. The Headmaster will make the final decision if a place is to be offered.

Q15. Do pupils coming from outside the Scottish system have difficulties adjusting to it?
We provide as much help to ensure a smooth transition with our friendly atmosphere and thorough assessment of a pupil’s ability. Any gaps in their knowledge are quickly identified and a strategy to fill any gaps is put into action. The key factors are a pupil’s ability and motivation, but help is always at hand to reassure pupils.

Q16. What public examinations are sat by pupils at Albyn School?
Pupils at Albyn School usually sit examinations set by the Scottish Qualifications Authority (SQA). At Albyn, pupils in the Fourth year sit Standard Grade or Intermediate 2 exams. In the Fifth year, pupils sit Higher exams and in the Sixth year Higher and Advanced Higher exams.

Navigation

FAQs