“Ever To Be The Best” echoes in the air. That’s the motto of Kelvinside Academy. Founded in 1878, Kelvinside Academy stands proudly in Glasgow’s Kelvinside area. It is near the Glasgow Botanic Gardens.
Kelvinside Academy began as a private school. It transitioned to grant-aided status. Later it reverted to its independent roots in 1985. Originally for boys only, Kelvinside Academy embraced co-education in 1998.
James Sellars designed the main building. It is now category A listed. The original construction cost over 21,698 pounds. This included roads and sewers. Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom, watches over the school. Her image is carved above the main entrance. You can also spot her on a bronze medallion in the perimeter wall. The school kept its original cast iron fences. This is notable considering metal shortages during World War II.
Kelvinside Academy has a house system. Pupils are divided into four houses. Each house has a color. Stewart House is red. Buchanan House is yellow. MacGregor House is green. Colquhoun House is blue.
In 2013, Kelvinside Academy opened a new Nursery at its Balgray Campus. The school also takes innovation seriously. In 2017, Kelvinside Academy partnered with NuVu. Together they created Scotland’s first Innovation School. This collaboration integrates design studios throughout the school.
Many notable individuals have passed through Kelvinside Academy’s halls. They include journalist John Joy Bell and Byzantinist Robert Browning. Brigadier General John Charteris and Sir Hugh Fraser also attended. Rugby players Richie Gray and Scott Cummings are alumni.
The school publishes “Minerva,” a termly newsletter. It also has several historical publications. These include “Kelvinside Academy, 1878–1978” by Colin Mackay. Other historical records exist too.
In 2018, Kelvinside Academy merged with Craigholme School. This formed the Glasgow Schools Trust. The goal was to share resources and preserve both schools. Kelvinside Academy continues to evolve. It blends tradition with innovation. It prepares students for the future. The school’s community spirit remains strong. With its motto in mind, Kelvinside Academy strives for excellence.