The Week's best of the best senior schools of 2026
Best extra-curricular: Gordonstoun
Friday 4 September 2026
We are delighted to announce that, as part of The Week's Independent Schools Guide, Gordonstoun has been selected as 'The best of the best senior school' for extra-curricular offerings.
Developing character and preparing for life beyond the classroom.
Gordonstoun offers the UK’s most distinctive and expansive extra-curricular programmes, designed to develop character, resilience and global perspective alongside academic achievement.
Students benefit from extensive international exchanges, annual expeditions for every year group and house, and immersive global learning experiences; from studying trench warfare with the British Army to exploring music and biodiversity in Kenya.
Outdoor education is central. The new Gordonstoun Adventure Campus in the Cairngorms enhances opportunities for challenge and growth. In the last year, students have taken part in the Strathpuffer Endurance Race, The Round Square Adventure Race, our own Dark Skies Challenge and a 100km Plus Est En Vous Challenge in under 19 hours! To name a few.
Sailing is a defining feature: all students experience open ocean sailing aboard our own yacht, with opportunities to voyage internationally and compete in the Tall Ships Races.
Service underpins school life - Senior students join groups such as Fire Service, Coastguard Rescue or Pool Lifeguards, alongside international projects and student-led fundraising initiatives.
A rich co-curricular programme includes 75 different activities and electives, ranging from robotics to cookery and archaeology.
This breadth ensures students leave as confident, compassionate and resilient global citizens, fully prepared for life beyond the classroom.
Curious about Gordonstoun?
To find out more about who and where we are, how to visit our woodland campus and the uniquely broad range of opportunities available to our students, please contact Admissions or join us on our next Virtual Taste of Gordonstoun Webinar.
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