Founded in 1845, The Glasgow Academy Newlands has a rich history. The Glasgow Academy is not just one building. It has three campuses one of which is right here in Newlands. But let’s delve into the past a little.
The Glasgow Academy started with a meeting in the Star Hotel in George Square. William Campbell and Free Church ministers wanted to create an academic institution. This vision led to the birth of The Glasgow Academy.
Originally located on Elmbank Street, The Glasgow Academy moved to Colebrooke Street in 1878. Over time, The Glasgow Academy expanded. A science block was added in 1903. The school gradually bought the residential homes on Colebrooke Terrace from 1924. New buildings arose including the Cargill Hall in 1957. The Music School came in 1994. A new Prep School opened in 2008. The award-winning Saunders Centre for science and technology arrived in 2015.
The Glasgow Academy is known for its strong house system. Pupils are divided into four houses. They are Arthur, Fraser, Morrison, and Temple. These houses are named after influential alumni or former Rectors. House assemblies are a weekly event in the Senior School. Teachers lead these assemblies. Pupils engage in various inter-house competitions. These include football, rugby, hockey, debating, and netball. The annual House singing competition and Sports Day add to the fun.
The Glasgow Academy merged with Westbourne School for Girls in 1991. This merger brought a significant change. The school became fully co-educational. The purple color from Westbourne’s uniform was incorporated into the school badge and tartan.
Today, The Glasgow Academy has around 1350 pupils. They are spread across three preparatory school sites and a senior school. The Kelvinbridge site is the main location. There are also satellite schools in Milngavie and Newlands. These cater to Nursery, Kindergarten, and Prep 1-4 pupils.
The Glasgow Academy also values inclusivity. It is a Stonewall School Champion. This LGBT initiative provides training against homophobic bullying. In fact, The Glasgow Academy’s preparatory school was the first in the UK to receive the Diana Gold Award for Anti-Bullying.
Many notable figures have passed through The Glasgow Academy’s halls. Author J.M. Barrie of Peter Pan fame was a pupil. So was James Bridie the playwright. The list goes on with people like Sir James Caird founder of the National Maritime Museum and Donald Dewar, Scotland’s first First Minister. The Glasgow Academy has produced leaders in various fields.
The Glasgow Academy is more than just a school. It is a community. It fosters academic excellence. It supports pupils’ development. It has a rich history. From its humble beginnings to its present-day success, The Glasgow Academy continues to shape young minds.