Kelvinside Academy was founded in 1878. Since May 1921, it has been run by the Kelvinside Academy War Memorial Trust, which was formed in memory of the Academicals who gave their lives in the War of 1914–18. The affairs of the Trust are managed by a Board of Governors.
Kelvinside Academy is a co-educational day school for some 600 pupils, aged 3 to 18.
The main building is in neo-classical style and Grade A listed but has been extensively modernised within. Further buildings and extensions provide excellent facilities for all subjects and interests, and are symptomatic of the school's progressive approach. Recent additions include Scotland’s First Innovation School, state-of-the-art IT and multimedia suites, custom-built nursery, library upgrade and sports pavilion.
Curriculum. Junior School pupils (from J1) benefit from specialist input in Innovation, Art, Music, PE, Modern Languages and Forest School. The Senior Prep (P7) year is a transitional year with a core curriculum taught by the class teacher but Science, Languages, Art, Music and PE are delivered by secondary specialists. Computing is a core compulsory subject up to S4.
Senior 3 and 4 pupils follow eight National 4 or 5 courses, followed by Higher and Advanced Higher courses in Senior 5 and 6.
Combined Cadet Force. The hugely popular CCF is compulsory for one year in Senior 3. Pupils also embark upon The Duke of Edinburgh’s Award scheme at this stage.
Games. Rugby and hockey are the principal team games in the winter terms, with athletics, tennis and cricket in the summer. A range of additional sports and games, from handball and football to basketball and dance, are offered.
Activities. A rich programme of extracurricular and House activities contributes significantly to the broad educational experience enjoyed by all pupils.
The Expressive Arts. Music, drama, dance and the visual arts have a central role in both the curriculum and the co-curriculum.
Fees per year (2025–2026). Nursery: dependent on number of sessions attended; Junior School: £13,809–£18.534; Senior School: £19,911-£20,970.
Admission. For Nursery and P1, children undergo an informal assessment. For P2 to Senior 3, children sit an entrance test and informal interview. For Senior 4 to Senior 6, entry is by interview, school report and exam results.
Bursaries. Financial support with fees (ranging from 10%–100%) is available to P7 and Senior School pupils.
Charitable status. The Kelvinside Academy War Memorial Trust is a Registered Charity, number SC003962. The purpose of the Trust is to run a combined primary and secondary day school in memory of those former pupils of the school who gave their lives in the war of 1914–18.
Governors & Staff:
Board of Governors:
Mr A McKendrick (Chair)
Ms L Baxendale
Prof A Biankin
Mr G Bisset, BAcc (Head of Finance Committee)
Ms J Brittenden
Ms M Carey (Head of Education Committee)
Mr S Dalziel (ex officio)
Mrs L Faulkner
Mr S Johnson
Mr R MacDougall (President of the Academical Club)
Mr G Soutar
Mr L Tan
Rector: Mr D J Wyatt
Chief Operating Officer: Dr G Thomson
Deputy Rector: Ms D Gallacher
Academic Deputy: Mr M Smith
Assistant Rector: Mr J I Cuthbertson
Head of Junior School: Mrs C Calvert
Director of Admissions & Communications: Mrs K Bottomley