Senior VI

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Preparing for life after St Columba's

In Senior VI, we offer 19 Highers, 17 Advanced Highers, and other enriching courses. We are proud of our outstanding academic results, which consistently place us among the highest-performing schools in the country. However, we are acutely aware that excellent grades alone are not enough in today’s market. Pupils must leave school with a strong sense of self-belief, adaptable skills, and the confidence to keep learning and thriving in an ever-evolving world.

We work hard to ensure that every Columban is equipped with essential skills needed to succeed, and in Senior VI, we place an emphasis on leadership.

From Heads of School and House Captains to Sports Captains, Regents, Prefects, and Leaders of over 50 clubs and societies, there are many opportunities for pupils to contribute and lead within our community. These roles help develop the communication, collaboration, and initiative that universities and employers value highly. Feedback from work experience placements and interactions with our industry mentors, show our pupils stand out for all the right reasons.

Leadership at St Columba’s also means service, whether that is working with younger pupils – sometimes as young as age 3, feeding the homeless in partnership with our caterers Thomas Franks, raising tens of thousands of pounds for worthwhile causes, or contributing thousands of volunteer hours.

The Senior VI experience begins with an induction week in June, where pupils are introduced to the wide range of opportunities available and receive training in how to undertake leadership roles effectively. They participate in a specialist interview skills session led by MM Search and attend our Future Destinations event, where they engage with over 20 representatives from universities, colleges, and apprenticeship programmes. Pupils also take part in a House enterprise competition to raise funds for chosen charities and enjoy activities that require creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and problem-solving.

Beyond the classroom, the social calendar is packed with fantastic events: Sports Dinners, Burns Suppers, Ceilidhs, Music and Sports events, and several leavers’ celebrations. We provide trips to cater for all interests, starting in August with our Leadership and Teambuilding Weekend in Nethybridge, Highland. The most anticipated is our “Mystery Trip” in June after exams, where pupils and staff only find out their destination at the airport shortly before departure! This unforgettable experience provides the best conclusion to the ultimate year at St Columba’s School. Please come and join us – we can’t wait to meet you!

Jamie Houston

Head of Senior VI and Careers