Kilgraston Closure Announcement
Kilgraston School can confirm, with regret, that it will permanently close on 13 August 2024.
All pupils, parents and staff members have been informed, and discussions are ongoing to ensure that alternative arrangements can be made for all affected.
A spokesperson for the Board of Trustees, said: “Last year was extremely difficult for the Kilgraston community, as we faced significant challenges to keep the school open. Education provider Achieve Education stepped in to financially support and manage the school in the short term and to buy the school in the longer term.
“Unfortunately, recent unexpected changes within Achieve Education have resulted in them reassessing their commitment to investing in Kilgraston and they are unable to proceed with the legal purchase of the school.
“As a result, we have been left with both a short and long-term funding deficit. The Board of Trustees has explored a number of opportunities in a bid to save the school but unfortunately none of these have offered a financially viable solution. This leaves the school with no choice but to close.
“At this point, we have three priorities: the welfare of staff, the welfare of pupils; and assistance for parents in finding places for their children at other schools. We will do all we can to help ensure a smooth transition for all affected. We are very sorry not to be able to continue operating a school that is close to all our hearts.”
Please contact 01738 812 257 where your call will be directed accordingly.
Kilgraston’s Inspiring ‘Fearless Women’ Webinar
Fearless Women Webinar: A Powerful Session with DCI Gina Brennand
At Kilgraston, we are committed to fostering an environment that encourages our students to be bold, ambitious, and fearless. As part of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) series, we recently hosted an extraordinary ‘Fearless Women’ webinar featuring the remarkable DCI Gina Brennand. This event was an inspiring and thought-provoking experience for all who attended.
DCI Gina Brennand, a trailblazer in her field, shared her journey of smashing stereotypes and rising through the ranks in a predominantly male profession. Her story is one of resilience, determination, and breaking down barriers. Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that being fearless doesn’t mean the absence of fear, but rather the courage to push through challenges and pursue one’s goals with unwavering determination.
During the webinar, DCI Brennand discussed the importance of challenging societal norms and stereotypes. She emphasized that true strength lies in the ability to stay authentic and true to oneself, even in the face of adversity. Her insights were particularly impactful for our students, who are at a pivotal stage in their lives where they are shaping their identities and aspirations.
One of the most touching aspects of DCI Brennand’s talk was her deep compassion and respect for the families she encounters in her work. She shared heartfelt stories about entering people’s lives during their darkest hours and the profound responsibility she feels to handle these moments with sensitivity and care. Her empathy and dedication to serving the community left a lasting impression on everyone.
The ‘Fearless Women’ webinar not only provided valuable life lessons but also inspired our students to reflect on their own paths and the impact they wish to make in the world. DCI Brennand’s message of fearlessness, combined with empathy and respect, resonates deeply with the values we uphold at Kilgraston.
We are incredibly grateful to DCI Gina Brennand for sharing her wisdom and experiences with us. Her journey is a testament to the power of resilience, empathy, and the importance of challenging the status quo. Events like these reinforce our commitment to empowering young women to pursue their dreams fearlessly and make a positive difference in the world.
At Kilgraston, we will continue to provide platforms that inspire, educate, and motivate our students. The ‘Fearless Women’ webinar was a remarkable success, and we look forward to hosting more events that celebrate the achievements of women who lead with courage and compassion.
It’s in the bag: Kilgraston wins Tayside Young Enterprise Regional Finals
Dundee used to be known as the home of the three Js: jute, jam and journalism and last night it held true to form with its jute heritage bagging top prize.
After a tense evening, Kilgraston’s Upper Sixth team scooped first place in the 2022 Young Enterprise Tayside Regional Finals.
Beating tough competition from across the county, Zara B, Anna T, India D, Tegan O, Poppy P, Robin B and Genevieve N, won with their ‘Joy in a Jute’ company programme, a mindfulness jute bag for young children.
Held at the Forbes of Kingennie Country Resort, north of Broughty Ferry, the team travelled early in the day to set up their stall and go through several assessments and presentations before the final announcement by Bruce Donaldson, Chairman: “The Young Enterprise Company Programme is an extremely valuable journey for students to undertake,” he said, “and, if entered into fully, creates an experience that will last with them for the rest of their lives.”
Winning eight out of ten categories - best trade stand, best marketing, best presentation, best business report, best business mentor (thank you Hannah Ovens!), sustainability, most inspirational journey and, of course, the 2022 Tayside Company of the Year - ‘Jute Joy’ was repeatedly commended for its “thorough” and “mature” approach.
Asked by an audience member if the enterprising experience had changed her thoughts on a future career, Kilgraston’s Upper Sixth, Zara, responded with a quick and clear, “No, but it has certainly cememted my decision to follow business management at university!”
Hear, hear to that and we wish the girls every success for the national championships in Glasgow on the 2nd of June.
25.3.22
Profile of Kilgraston School’s Head teacher, Dorothy MacGinty
This month’s Independent Schools Magazine has profiled Kilgraston School’s very own Mrs MacGinty (p24-26).
Not withholding any punches, questions probe the School’s mobile phone policy, environmental learning, hybrid exam systems and inspiration to enter the profession (her mum) with the mantra: “Children have one chance at education and it needs to be as good as it possibly can be.”
Of course, retirement is on the horizon, with golf high on the priority list: “I thought when I came back to Scotland seven years ago, I would have the opportunity to play some of the country’s magnificent courses and my handicap would reduce - how wrong I was. Leading a boarding school - as all boarding Heads will know - doesn’t allow for four hours’ on the course at the weekend!”
We wish Mrs MacGinty every success on the fairway; the full profile, together with announcement of in-coming Head teacher, Tanya Davie (p46), being available here.
20 January 2022
Kilgraston Christmas showcase review
History will dictate that Christmas 2021 was a moment when separation, social distancing and the side-stepping of airport terminals was de rigour.
Global constraints included Austria in full lockdown - Germany following suit - Italy introducing a ‘super green pass’ and England not quite sure what it thought about the wearing of facemasks.
The very notion of zipping around the world for a spot of cultural interaction was the preserve of that rosy-cheeked chap, sporting red suit, beard and a vaccine passport recognised by every authority.
All this changed with curtain-up at Kilgraston School’s multi-cultural musical medley, ‘Christmas Around the World’.
Hosted by Perth’s magnificent Concert Hall, the entire school – from five-year-olds with vocal ranges rising and falling like those of their hem lengths – to accomplished senior pupils demonstrating orchestral prowess, took audience members on a whirl-wind tour across international time zones.
Scandinavia became our journey’s departure lounge, 16th Century ‘Gaudete’ heralding a spookily cool blue backdrop, quickly morphing to the warm glow of a Swedish summer sunset.
France was the next in-flight snack, a cheeky little ‘Noel Nouvelet’ delivered by cheeky little Junior Years’ pupils, beaming and blushing to the able direction of Director of Music, Andrew Morley.
Gathering altitude, we were off to Wales, native speakers reminding viewers the country was “very good at rugby, but even better at singing!”. Clarsach and violin tinkled like cats’ paws on Cardiff Bay, the hauntingly beautiful ‘When Christ was born of Mary free’ bringing a tingle to every spine.
Soaring above borders, next stop Austria, restrictions an unpleasant memory: “Here we are in Vienna,” trilled a native speaker, “the capital of classical music.” How lovely, there we all were, strolling aside the Danube, Kilgraston’s Junior Choir’s ‘Still, still, still’ ebbing and flowing like the great river itself.
Bang!
A bit of in-flight turbulence as we approached the States. Wind Band, full orchestra and all three choirs upped the ante with an ear-popping Christmas Medley of everyone’s favourites: “Happy holidays,” beamed a native New Yorker, “It’s time for eggnog!”
Sadly, air stewards refrained from serving alcoholic libation to the stalls, but, after a swift spot of in-flight refuelling, time to buckle-up for the rest of the ride, Caribbean beaches our next destination.
The Dominican Republic - land of festive “suckling pigs and fireworks” according to our captain - was brought to the banks of the Tay by a finger-clicking, foot-tapping Chamber Choir, knocking-out upbeat ‘Cantemos a Maria’ as if maracas were mandatory in Perthshire.
Breaking sound barriers, the same pupils demonstrated all the agility of an F-16 fighter, jetting seamlessly over the Italian Alps with ‘Hodie Christus Natus Est’, both A cappella and in native Latin.
Nosecone over the Balearics, the Instrumental Ensemble was deftly guided through Spain’s traditional carol, ‘Campana Sobre Campana,’ guitar strings plucked.
Swooping over rural England, the Senior Choir ‘Watched their Flocks by Night’ - the song-flight nearing its terminus - circling over France, where pupil soloist Hannah-Rose lit-up the skies with her spiritual ‘Oh Holy Night.’
It certainly was.
Having landed safely, caution was promptly thrown to the tail-wind with a bracing rendition of legendary Live Aid’s, ‘Do they know it’s Christmas?’
Answer? Yes, they most certainly did!
Readings, in a multitude of languages, delivered with the crisp pronunciation of a British Airways pilot: full-throttle audience participation of traditional favourites, all made for a First-Class ride.
Throughout the world, many will wonder if it is indeed the season to be jolly.
But for a few short hours, at least, Christmas Around the World - Kilgraston style - was very definitely the destination of choice.
5.12.21
Kilgraston School’s STEAM success highlighted by international magazine
Making sure girls learn to love Physics at school is very close to Kilgraston’s heart: “It’s all about engaging pupils early in their learning journey,” says Head teacher, Dorothy MacGinty, in the autumn term edition of The BSA Guide to UK Boarding Schools.
Featured on the front cover of the international magazine, the article looks at why an all-girls senior school is the ideal environment for tackling a subject more traditionally studied by boys: “Girls feel free to let their natural curiosity reign,” writes MacGinty, “where every question is encouraged.”
Each year, nearly two-thirds of Kilgraston School leavers pursue STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Maths) subjects at undergraduate level.
“The enthusiasm is definitely there,” states the Head teacher, “but we must continue to deliver the subject in a life-engaging manner.”
Read the full article (front + p124/5) here
6.10.21
Moving through the ranks - plotting progress from Prep to Senior
Life at senior school can seem a long way away, for both pupil and parent, when you’re just setting foot on the educational journey.
But time passes quickly, the preparation for teenage years beginning from the first moments of the earliest Junior Years. This careful transition, and the dedicated behind-the-scenes players and planners who make it all possible, is discussed in this term’s School House Magazine’s piece, ‘Prepped and ready to go’ on page 50.
Within the article, Headteacher of Kilgraston School, Dorothy MacGinty, notes that pupils nearing Senior School age are ready to spread their wings with “long spells at home during lockdowns having been detrimental to them.”
Additional boarding uptake towards the end of Junior School years is cited as frequent preparation for ‘big school,’ “a 24/7 learning experience,” together with the encouragement of increased responsibility and independence.
It’s all in the groundwork.
The article can be read in full here
Shakespearean innovation - Covid definitely didn’t stop play
Fairies crunching through the undergrowth; crows squawking high above heads; a gentle June breeze darting around cloaks and crowns (this is a Scottish midsummer after all, there has to be a breeze!).
What better location to perform Shakespeare’s classic tale A Midsummer Night’s Dream than in Kilgraston’s natural amphitheatre? Family harmony and internecine attitudes were deftly portrayed by L&U4 and L5 years, fully facilitating tree-stumps and natural foliage, aptly-placed bunting adding a splash of colour.
Tie a yellow, red, blue and pink ribbon round the old oak tree…
There’s nothing more dramatic than a spot of wedded, woodland woe as Queen and King of the Fairies, Titania and Oberon, demonstrated, arguing it out in the undergrowth, with a healthy peppering of humour and exacerbated expressions.
A joy to behold, pupils brought this time-honoured favourite to life, confidently projecting voices; the natural landscape fully utilised.
Thank you to Drama teacher Miss Smith for giving performers memories that will transcend the seasons.
Virtual Leavers Assembly
Our Leavers Assembly is a celebration at the end of the academic year to acknowledge the hard work and dedication of every Kilgraston girl.
Instead of being held in the Chapel, this year’s event was held online where parents, girls and staff could tune it to watch the event together.
The event began with Reflection from Mr Allaker, our Chaplain, live from the Chapel. This was followed by the leaver’s concert pieces from each year group. The Upper 6 then gave a beautiful zoom choir performance of ‘You Say’. After some parent advice came the Lower 6 montage which was the penultimate feature before the final address.
The final addresses came from our Head Girl, Alice, our Head of Sixth Form, Mrs McCormick and our Headmistress, Mrs MacGinty.
Alice, our Head Girl reflected on her time at Kilgraston, remembering when her year group entered the theatre a year ago: ”Myself and the rest of the year came crashing into the theatre singing ‘Don’t Forget Where You Belong’, we had to make a grand entrance which I think is quite telling of our year, we gave everything 110% and spent most of our time singing, or just being generally loud” she continued with a heartfelt thank you to from her year group to the teachers and wider Kilgraston community: ”I don’t think there is enough time in the world or words in the dictionary for me to say all the thank yous that the U6 and I have for Kilgraston, we wouldn’t be the people we are today without the School and we will treasure the memories from our time at Kilgraston for the rest of our lives. I’m sure we will be back as soon as we can to say our proper goodbyes and most likely sing one last song.”
Mrs McCormick, Kilgraston’s Head of Sixth Form said “The leaving class of 2020 have really lived up to the Goal of Character this year. Each and every girl has pushed themselves to excel no matter their strengths in a variety of avenues. They have been exceptional prefects, incredible BFG’s and the relationships they have developed with their peers and staff are legendary. I thank them wholeheartedly for embracing all Kilgraston has to offer and making the most of every tradition and opportunity to make memories. I have no doubt that this year group and their incredible Leadership Team will be remembered for years to come. I wish them every success in their future pursuits.”
Best of luck Upper 6, see you soon!
Home Sports Days
Nothing quashes Kilgraston spirit, our girls are known for their determination and ability to overcome challenges. This week was no exception!
The coronavirus put a stop to all our planned events this term, including Sports Day. However, some of our junior girls refused to miss out and decided to host their very own at home. Girls have built obstacle courses in their back garden, used their wonderful imagination to create different events, got their families involved and one pupil decided to try an equine sports day and competed in all their races with their pony!
Well done to all those girls who refused to let the current situation affect their learning and fun. Hopefully we’ll be back to normal next year!
