St Leonards Welcomes Second Year of Schloss Neubeuern Exchange

22 June 2026

After a successful first year of the programme, we continued our partnership with Schloss Neubeuern, our partner school in Bavaria, Germany, through a second reciprocal exchange. Spearheaded by Teacher of Languages Ms Anja Schoenfeld, the exchange links our schools in Scotland and Germany, allowing pupils to enjoy a fully immersive experience, including staying in the boarding houses, participating in lessons and taking part in co-curricular activities. Through the exchange, pupils experience life in another country, developing independence, confidence and international mindedness, while gaining a real world context for language learning and cultural exchange.

Visit to Bavaria
As part of the second reciprocal exchange between St Leonards and Schloss Neubeuern, Hung N (Year 12), Saffron C (Year 9), Olivia B (Year 9) and Eleanor K (Year 12) travelled to Germany alongside Ms Schoenfeld for a two-week immersion experience.

During their time in Germany, pupils enjoyed a range of experiences, including a visit to Salzburg, where they explored Mozart’s Birthplace and Museum, as well as a stop at Chiemsee, one of Bavaria’s most beautiful lakes. They also experienced Bavarian culture through local traditions, food and community events, including a visit to a local Dorffest and the chance to try Kaiserschmarrn, a traditional Bavarian dessert. There was also time for golf at Golfclub Patting, offering another chance to experience local life and culture.

Visit to St Andrews
We were delighted to welcome our German visitors to St Andrews from 8–21 June. During their stay, pupils experienced life at St Leonards through full immersion in boarding and lessons, as well as a range of co-curricular activities and excursions. Supported by their St Leonards buddies, they quickly settled into school life.

Alongside golf lessons, the group visited the University of St Andrews for a tour, presentation and Q&A session. They also enjoyed a day trip to Edinburgh by train, which they shared with ALEA School, another of our partner schools that was visiting at the same time.

We were delighted to take part in the exchange for a second year and look forward to building on this partnership in the years ahead. The programme continues to strengthen the connection between our schools, giving pupils the chance to form new friendships, experience another culture and create lasting memories.