Postgraduate (PG) Year
Introduction to our Postgraduate Programme
The St Leonards Postgraduate (PG) Year is a bespoke “bridge” programme designed to support students in the transition between high school and a competitive university. Located in the historic home of golf and the heart of a world-famous university town, the PG year offers an extra year of academic focus, personal development, and global immersion.
Particularly suited for US students and those applying to top-tier international colleges, the programme allows students to strengthen their academic profile and gain independence while staying intellectually sharp. Whether you are looking to secure a sports scholarship—leveraging our world-renowned Golf Academy—or simply need a “gap year with purpose,” the St Leonards PG year provides the ideal world-class environment.
A “Mini-University” Experience
St Leonards is the only school in Scotland to offer the full International Baccalaureate (IB) continuum. Our PG year leverages this expertise to provide a high-value, credit-bearing experience that goes beyond a traditional high school curriculum.
- Enterprise & Entrepreneurship: A core focus on innovation management, risk assessment, and financial viability, leading to an accredited Institute of Enterprise and Entrepreneurship diploma.
- University Maturity: Practice the independence of boarding life in a safe, structured environment while immersed in the culture of high academic ambition in St Andrews.
- Personalised Mentorship: Benefit from small class sizes and our dedicated Head of Futures, providing bespoke guidance for the US and UK college application process.
- Global Gateway: Gain a global mindset with a student body of over 30 nationalities and easy access to explore the UK and Europe.
Tailored Academic Programme and Curriculum
We have a long-standing reputation for academic excellence and holistic development. We champion the International Baccalaureate (IB) curriculum, offering a world-class, comprehensive education. Globally recognised and extremely well-respected by universities, the IB is a broad and well-rounded programme that combines academic rigour with personal growth. The PG year aligns with this ethos by offering students a chance to:
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Enhance college applications with further academic study
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Develop independence and confidence in a safe, supportive, and structured boarding environment
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Focus on personal goals – whether academic, athletic, or social
One of the key strengths of the PG year is its flexibility. Students are able to choose courses tailored to their interests and future plans, while also participating in the rich co-curricular and community life at St Leonards.
Core Curriculum (Compulsory):
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Applied Entrepreneurship: Focus on market validation and business planning (Level 3 Qualification).
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Theory of Knowledge: Critical analysis and evidence-based decision-making through object-based storytelling.
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Maths for College Admissions: Targeted US college prep featuring data modeling and a “Maths in Action” business project.
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Shakespeare’s Restless World: Developing cultural intelligence and persuasive communication via a professional-style podcast project.
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Extended Essay / Reflective Project: An independent academic research paper and a viva voce (oral defense).
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CAS (Creativity, Activity, Service): Engaging in social enterprise and community impact projects.
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PPS (Personal Professional Skills): Developing emotional intelligence, resilience, and professional networking.
Academic Electives:
Students select from Standard Level (SL) IB courses to tailor their academic profile:
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Options include: Business, History, Economics, Psychology, Geography, Physics, Biology, or Modern Languages.
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Assessment: Includes advanced outputs such as academic scientific posters or expert-level podcasts.
All PG students will also be fully integrated into the boarding life and wider school community, contributing to and benefiting from the holistic St Leonards experience.
Admissions Information
This programme is tailored for pupils aged 18-19 who have recently graduated from high school.
Entry Requirements: High School Diploma or equivalent.
Application deadline: Monday, 18 May 2026
Interview and Selection: June 2026
Programme Start: August 2026
Accommodation: Fully integrated into the school’s historic boarding houses in the heart of St Andrews.
Visa Support: As a sponsor school, St Leonards manages applications through specialist immigration firm Sable.
Co-Curricular: Full access to the St Leonards Golf Academy, water sports, and 30+ extracurricular activities.
Limited places are available. We encourage early applications where possible.
Golf Academy
St Leonards offers one of the UK’s leading school golf academies, catering from all abilities, from beginners to elite golfers. Delivered in partnership with the St Andrews Links Golf Academy, St Leonards’ golfers have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, top-of-the-range golfing technology, and seven Links courses, including the Old Course.
Discover the St Leonards Advantage
Located in the heart of St Andrews, and with a strong record of academic success, St Leonards offers a nurturing, internationally-minded environment in which to take this important next step. Our PG year is designed to empower students to take ownership of their future, whether through academics, athletics, or personal growth.
For more information about the St Leonards PG Year, please contact our Admissions Team.
Be ready for what comes next – take your next step with confidence at St Leonards.
Meet our Postgraduate Programme Lead
Will Gaisford
Deputy Head (Academic)
Will is a graduate of the University of Oxford and leads the academic programme at St Leonards. He holds a Master’s in Educational Leadership and Management and, prior to arriving in Scotland, he gained extensive experience at high-performing boarding schools across England.
Driven by a passion for postgraduate education, Will works closely with students to help them to follow their passions, achieve outstanding results, and leave St Leonards confident, capable, and ready to make a meaningful impact on the world.
