Gordonstoun Alumna Awarded Prestigious Principal’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence
Wednesday 01 April 2026
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Kattie Riddick’s academic dedication and leadership have earned her two of St Andrews’ most sought-after honours. Her selection for a fully funded postgraduate year in the US reflects both her talent and commitment. Rooted in the values shaped during her time at Gordonstoun, she continues to excel and inspire in everything she pursues. |
Honoured with One of St Andrews’ Highest Academic Awards
Gordonstoun alumna Katie Riddick has been recognised by the University of St Andrews with the Principal’s Scholarship for Academic Excellence, one of the highest academic awards the University bestows.
The scholarship is awarded annually to select final‑year students whose academic performances are the highest in their respective faculties. It recognises students who have “unceasingly striven to excel and who have enriched the academic life of our university and set an example to their peers in so doing".
For Katie, a final-year student in Geography and Sustainable Development, the scholarship reflects four years of exceptional academic achievement, including consistently maintaining a place on the Dean’s List.
A Transatlantic Opportunity: The Robert T. Jones Scholarship
Katie has also been chosen as one of just four students to receive the prestigious Robert T. Jones Scholarship, which offers a fully funded year of study at Emory University in Atlanta, Georgia.
Created in honour of the celebrated amateur golfer Bobby Jones, the scholarship supports students who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership, character and integrity. It covers tuition, travel, accommodation, living expenses and a travel stipend and Scholars act as ambassadors for St Andrews throughout their year in the United States.
As part of the scholarship, Katie will pursue a Master’s in Management at Emory’s Goizueta Business School. The selection process involves an extensive application, academic and character references, and two panel interviews. Kattie’s character reference came from Steve Cook, her former Geography teacher at Gordonstoun, who taught her for five years.
Reflecting on the Gordonstoun Influence
Looking back, Katie credits her time at Gordonstoun as a defining influence both academically and personally. She said:
“I’m fairly certain that I wouldn’t be studying Geography and Sustainable Development if it weren’t for my two geography teachers at Gordonstoun — their enthusiasm and energy in the classroom were a big part of what sparked my interest in the subject.
Beyond academics, she says Gordonstoun’s distinctive approach to education shaped her entire outlook:“Gordonstoun has a large focus on life outside the classroom, and that’s something that’s really stayed with me.
“Throughout my time at St Andrews, I’ve tried to balance my academics with sports, running, and spending as much time outdoors as possible.“I really love hillwalking, so the legacy of Exped definitely lives on!
But above all, she credits the friendships formed at school as her most valuable takeaway:
“The biggest way Gordonstoun has helped me is through the friends I made there. Many of my closest friends today are people I met at school, and they’re still such an important part of my life.”
With her five‑year reunion approaching, she is already looking forward to reconnecting with classmates.
Looking Ahead
Katie’s achievements—both the Principal’s Scholarship and the Robert T. Jones Scholarship—are a testament to her dedication, intellectual curiosity and the values she developed at Gordonstoun.
As she prepares for her year at Emory University, the Gordonstoun community is immensely proud of all she has accomplished and excited to see what she does next.
Curious about Gordonstoun? To find out more about the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our students, join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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