Glenalmond Schools Group Outlines Vision For The Future

Further to the announcement made on Monday, 2 June 2025, regarding the new partnership between the Glenalmond Schools Group and 35 Education, Professor Basak Akdemir, CEO of 35 Education, is pleased to confirm its full completion. This partnership secures the long-term future and financial sustainability of both Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery. 

Commenting on the collaboration, Professor Akdemir said, ‘It is a huge privilege to be instrumental in the regeneration of such an historic institution. The warmth, enthusiasm and commitment I have seen indicate a dedicated community with a vision for the future.’  Describing the work of 35 Education, she continued, ‘For a long period of time, I have been working closely with His Excellency Dr Khalid bin Mohammed Al Attiyah to invest in and establish a partnership with a British school, keen to support and develop the exceptional rounded education which is the hallmark of independent schools in the UK. We are honoured that His Excellency has agreed to be President of the Glenalmond Schools Group. Passionate about education and its ability to transform lives, His Excellency is delighted that the Group’s purpose is to develop young people of integrity and resourcefulness determined to make the world a better place.”

Purpose, Values and Ethos

The charitable purposes at both schools remain unchanged and the new partnership upholds the College’s 178-year-old Christian foundation and constitution. The Group continues to be committed to providing education that meets the needs of a modern society and is grounded in the qualities of diligence, courtesy, honesty, courage, service and respect for others. Along with Craigclowan, Glenalmond’s mission will now, more than ever, reach beyond the roots of its stunning Highland location to transform the lives of children all over the world, whether educated in Scotland or overseas.

Governance changes

Completion of the partnership also brings about some personnel changes. A new Board of Directors has been created, headed by Professor Akdemir, which will oversee the Glenalmond Schools Group Council.  The current Chair, Ian Gray OBE, has fulfilled his term of office having secured this momentous partnership, and will be stepping down from his role, whilst Lucy Elphinstone, former Headmistress of Francis Holland School, Sloane Square, and Chair of the Education Committee, joins the leadership team as Executive Principal of the Glenalmond Schools Group. Commenting on her appointment, Mrs Elphinstone said, “I owe a debt to the College for the wonderful education my children enjoyed.  It is a joy to see the dawning of an exciting new future for these magical schools.  Having led nursery, prep and senior schools, I am delighted that this partnership provides an inspiring pathway for children from the age of three right through to eighteen.”

Fees to be frozen and 40 awards offered

The new board of directors is acutely aware of the current financial pressures parents are experiencing and has therefore decided to freeze school fees at the current levels, at both Glenalmond and Craigclowan, for the 2025/26 academic year. Mrs Elphinstone commented, “Access to such outstanding educational opportunities is life-changing, but in the current climate, we hope that by freezing school fees at both Glenalmond and Craigclowan for the 2025/26 academic year, a little of that strain will be eased.  Dramatic change is ahead, and we extend our warmest thanks to our parent body for their continued support during this transformational phase. 

Additionally, thanks to the generous endowment from His Excellency, we are thrilled to launch up to 40 awards across every area of College life, which will be available to new applicants for day and boarding places from September 2025.”  Details about these awards and how to apply can be found here.

Curriculum enhanced

Professor Akdemir, an acknowledged expert in the rapidly developing world of artificial intelligence and extensive experience in higher education, will be closely involved in the plans to enrich the schools’ curriculum, including the enhancement of technology, music, art, drama, business enterprise, sustainability, outdoor education, and the establishment of world class sporting facilities. “We are providing the next generation with the skills, imagination and courage to lead in enterprise, design, science, industry and research,” she observed.  “Challenge and opportunity will characterise their experience here.”