Dunottar School

Additional Information

Dunottar School is a co-educational day school (11 to 18 years) where inspiring lessons, exceptional pastoral care and an exciting array of co-curricular activities allows every child to achieve their full potential.  Based in a Palladian mansion within 15 acres of beautiful grounds, Dunottar combines the benefits of a spacious countryside setting with the convenience of a town centre location in Reigate. 

The aim of Dunottar is to offer an outstanding education to boys and girls and, through excellent teaching and high levels of individual support, to enable pupils to achieve added value which is comparable with what is achieved in the top schools in the UK. Dunottar is a vibrant, co-educational secondary school which, as part of United Learning’s family of schools, shares the group’s core values of ambition, confidence, determination, creativity, respect and enthusiasm along with the objective of bringing out the “Best in Everyone”. Dunottar celebrates achievement in its broadest sense resulting in a community of happy, confident pupils who achieve their first choice ambition for their future education and employment.

The School was founded in 1926 and joined United Learning in 2014. It is situated in 15 acres of beautiful grounds and woodland on the outskirts of Reigate, convenient to mainline stations and bus routes. The main building is a handsome Palladian mansion and purpose-built wings include additional classrooms, art, design and photography suites, the main hall, Sixth Form Centre, a 25-metre heated indoor swimming pool and large sports hall. Outdoor space includes a sports field, several courts and an outdoor classroom and arrangements with Old Reigatian RFC and Salfords CC extend the off-site sporting facilities. In 2021, a £4.5 state-of-the-art performing arts centre was opened, including a 500-seat theatre, drama studio, music classrooms and music practice rooms.

Religion. The School holds the Christian ethos paramount and welcomes children from any denomination or none.

Curriculum. The school offers a broad education and preserves a balance between arts and science subjects. Early specialisation is avoided, though some subject options become necessary from the beginning of the GCSE year. Subjects include English Language and Literature, Mathematics, French, Spanish, History, Geography, Religious Studies, Biology, Physics and Chemistry, Business and Economics, Design and Technology, Computer Science, Physical Education, Drama, Food and Nutrition, Music, Art and Design & Technology. Dunottar has strong sporting and music traditions. Teaching is given in a wide range of musical instruments and pupils are encouraged to join the orchestras, music groups and choirs. A busy fixtures list offers many opportunities for competitive sport and ‘sport for all’ is encouraged within school and through the co-curricular programme. Rugby, football, athletics, netball, lacrosse, swimming and cricket are amongst the sports on offer. Co-curricular clubs are designed to broaden horizons and encourage new skills, hobbies and interests and range from beekeeping to science based groups such as ‘dissection club’ and sports including badminton and swimming. Students also participate in The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at Bronze, Silver and Gold levels.

Careers. Dunottar offers an interesting and varied careers programme for pupils, from online careers research tools through to careers networking lunches and suppers. The school welcomes a range of speakers from a diverse range of fields to offer our pupils an insight into application processes, daily life of employees and the skills employers are looking for.

Examinations taken. GCSE and A Levels, Associated Board of the Royal School of Music, London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art, Imperial School of Dancing, Royal Society of Arts.

Admissions. The admissions process at Dunottar is designed to identify those pupils who will thrive at the school. The admissions process is as friendly and relaxed as possible. The main intake is in Year 7 and Year 12. We are happy to consider pupils joining into other year groups where spaces are available. Prospective pupils can be registered at any time prior to the registration deadline. Please check the Admissions Process page on our website for all the current registration process details and deadlines. The Admissions Department are happy to answer any questions.

Fees per term (2024-2025). Years 7 to 13: £7,362 payment by monthly or termly Direct Debit or £7, 462payment by BACS/Credit Card.

Scholarships. Academic Scholarships are awarded annually in Year 7 to those who reach the highest standard in the entrance tests and show the greatest potential for growth. Year 12 Academic Scholarship candidates are required to write one essay (chosen from a selection of titles provided by the school) and then discuss their essay with the Headmaster. Year 12 candidates will also sit a test paper in a subject selected by the candidate (November of Year 11). Scholarships are also available in Year 7 and Year 12 for those who show exceptional promise and talent in Music, Art, Performing Arts and Sport. Further details can be found on the website.

Charitable status. Dunottar School is part of United Learning which comprises: UCST (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 2780748, and a Registered Charity, number 1016538) and ULT (a Company Limited by Guarantee, Registered in England, number 4439859, and an Exempt Charity).

Governors & Staff:

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