A Perthshire private boarding and day school will introduce primary one and two classes to the institution for the very first time in its 110-year history.
Strathallan School announced plans to welcome in Year One and Year Two pupils to its Prep School following a fourth year of “unprecedented growth”.
The expansion of the pupil roll comes as the council considers proposals to construct a new classroom building at its Forgandenny grounds.
The new classes will expand Strathallan Prep School’s provision down to age five, and will follow a shorter day, with lessons from 9am–3pm and wraparound care available.
The prep school launched in 2020 and has taught from the primary three stage onward so far.
The plans for expansion have been brought forward, as the independent school’s roll has grown by 20 per cent over the last four years.
Designs for the new Prep School building were submitted to the council in March.
The new building would include four classrooms, a playground, a multi-purpose hall and outdoor learning areas, and would be built on part of the current playing fields.
A new music block and changing room block also form part of the proposal.
The prep school is currently located in the main school building and would relocate to the new building upon completion.
Strathallan Prep’s head Emma Lalani said: “It’s been an incredible three years since the launch of the Prep School, and I have been so impressed with the dedication and dynamism of all the staff to strive for excellence in everything we do.
“We were the first Scottish school to join the Pre-Senior Baccalaureate, and we were recognised for the quality of our teaching with the Primary Science Mark, as well as the BSA Award for Boarding Innovation.
“Outdoor learning has flourished and I was so proud when the pupils launched their 'Bee the Change' initiative at the UN Water Conference earlier this year.
“Our pupils are so creative, it’s truly an exceptional place to learn and I am so excited to be able to welcome even younger children to our school this year.”
The announcement comes at a time when Kilgraston School, another boarding school located just over three miles away, was at serious threat of closure.
Strathallan offered its support to the Bridge of Earn institution, which will now manage to stay open after attracting external investment.
Strathallan’s headmaster Mr Mark Lauder said: “I couldn’t be prouder of what the Prep School has achieved in the three years since its launch.
“The hard work and dedication of the teaching and pastoral staff has been rightly recognised with a number of awards already, and I am always impressed with the new initiatives that both staff and pupils bring forward all the time.
“It will be a great privilege to be able to see younger pupils than ever join us and benefit from this truly special educational environment.”
Strathallan is registering now for the remaining spaces in P1 and P2, starting this September.
Strathallan is one of the most expensive independent private schools in Perthshire with fees ranging from around £5,000 per term up to just over £12,000.
