The Scots College

Christian, Founded 1893

Updated July 2026

BoysGender
Day & BoardingType
Non-profitOwnership

Languages

English flagEnglish

The Scots College is one of Australia’s oldest and most respected Presbyterian day and boarding schools for boys, located in Sydney. It is dedicated to developing creative, confident, and accomplished young men through a distinctive, tradition-based education.

Term structure

Four terms

Teaching approach

The Scots College is a Presbyterian boys' school that operates under the 'Brave Hearts Bold Minds' philosophy. This approach focuses on developing the 'whole student'—his character, values, and attitudes—through a culture of high expectations, pastoral care, and experiential learning. The school aims to inspire boys to learn, lead, and serve, preparing them for future roles and workplaces that are yet to be imagined.

Programmes

The College provides an Early Years to Year 12 education, featuring developmental-stage-relevant models of learning. The curriculum integrates academic, sport, and co-curricular activities, with a strong emphasis on experiential learning and STEAM disciplines. A key feature is the six-month residential outdoor education program at Glengarry for all Year 9 students. The school also emphasizes the 'Teaching for Character' program, which integrates character development into the academic curriculum.

Student support

EAL support
Unknown
Learning support
Unknown

Learning support

The College employs learning support staff to assist students with specific educational or medical needs. The school’s approach to learning enrichment is informed by evidence-based practices, with staff actively engaged in research to improve student outcomes. The school also maintains a College Clinic to support student wellbeing.

Frequently asked questions(3)
Is The Scots College a day or boarding school?
The Scots College is a day and boarding school.
Is The Scots College co-educational?
The Scots College is a boys school.
Where is The Scots College located?
The Scots College is an international school in Sydney, Australia.

Tuition & fees

No published fee schedule was found for this school.

Admissions

The College manages admissions through a formal enquiry process, with interested families encouraged to complete an Expression of Interest form. The admissions team guides families through the application process, which may include personal tours and information mornings. The school offers scholarships and bursaries, with specific criteria and timelines available through the admissions office. Prospective families are advised to enquire early, as some entry points may have waiting lists.

Calendar

The academic year typically runs from late January to early December, divided into four terms. In 2026, Term 1 commences on 29 January, Term 2 on 21 April, Term 3 on 21 July, and Term 4 on 13 October. The Rose Bay Early Years Centre operates 48 weeks of the year, closing only for four weeks during the Christmas and New Year period.

Facilities

LibraryBoardingSports fieldGymnasium

About the campus

The Scots College operates across multiple campuses in Sydney and regional New South Wales. These include the Early Learning Centre (Transition to Year 1) and Junior/Senior Preparatory schools (Years 2–6) in Bellevue Hill, and the Senior School (Years 7–12) also in Bellevue Hill. Additional sites include the Brighton Preparatory School (Kindergarten to Year 6) in Dolls Point, the Rose Bay Early Years Centre, the Glengarry outdoor education campus in Kangaroo Valley for Year 9 students, and the Bannockburn active learning site. The College also provides boarding facilities for students in Years 6 to 12.

Co-curriculars

The College offers a wide range of co-curricular activities designed to build team spirit, character, and camaraderie. These include sports, such as rugby and cricket, as well as the Pipes and Drums. The school also provides STEAM-focused programs, including the Formula 1 in Schools Technology Challenge, Lego Robotics, and the Flightclub project, which allows students to build remote-controlled planes.

  • Dr Ian PM LambertPrincipal

    Dr Ian PM Lambert has served as Principal of The Scots College since January 2007, bringing extensive experience in education and leadership. He holds a PhD from Cambridge University and has authored several books on education, with a focus on character formation and the "reinvention" of education.

  • Mr John CrerarVice Principal – Christian Mission and Community

    Mr John Crerar serves as the Vice Principal – Christian Mission and Community. He holds multiple qualifications including a Master of Educational Studies and is actively involved in shaping the school's approach to discipline and character development.

  • Mr Ryan SmarttDeputy Principal – Student Experience

    Mr Ryan Smartt serves as the Deputy Principal – Student Experience. He holds a Master of Education and a Graduate Diploma in Divinity.

  • Dr Rob LoeDeputy Principal – Academics

    Dr Rob Loe serves as the Deputy Principal – Academics. He holds a PhD and has a background in education, focusing on academic leadership.

  • Mr Graham PattisonDeputy Principal – Sport And Co-Curricular

    Mr Graham Pattison serves as the Deputy Principal – Sport And Co-Curricular. He holds honours degrees in both Education and Human Kinetics.

  • Mr Peter MouldsDeputy Principal – Operations and Planning

    Mr Peter Moulds serves as the Deputy Principal – Operations and Planning. He holds a Bachelor of Science (Hons) and a Graduate Diploma in Education.

  • Dr Hugh ChiltonDirector of Research and Professional Learning

    Dr Hugh Chilton serves as the Director of Research and Professional Learning. He is a key figure in the school's research-invested initiatives and professional development programs.