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FAQs

Junior & Senior Years FAQs

Here are a few of the most frequently asked questions

 

Is entry only available at the start of term in August?

No, provided we have places available your child can start at any time throughout the school year.

When is the best time for my child to join the School? 

We offer an all through education from Nursery to Form 6 and always recommend 'the earlier the better'.

In the past, popular entry points were L1, L6 & L7 in preparation for the transition into F1, but increasingly we are seeing a rush on entries for L4 & L5 to benefit from high quality education in the formative years.

In the Senior School, the easiest point for admission both academically and socially is at F1 but we cap our F1 at 100 pupils so you may want to consider earlier entry into Junior Years.  A number of pupils also join us each year in F3 and F5.  Entry to the upper years is dependent on good performance in the national examinations at the end of F4.  Experience has shown that it is rarely possible for pupils to join us in F4, halfway through the two-year National 5 course.  Mid-session entry to F3, F5 or F6 can also pose difficulties.

When should we apply for entry?

It is never too early to apply as we can add you to our waiting lists and will contact you once your child's assessment visit had been arranged. 

Does the entrance assessment only take place once a year?  

If you are looking for an August start we recommend that you submit your application form by end November in the previous year to allow time for your child's entrance assessment. 

What form do the entrance assessments take?

Junior Years assessments comprise a Mathematics and Language activity in the first instance.  Senior Years assessments comprise a Cognitive Ability Test and, where appropriate, discussions with Heads of Department regarding subject choices.

Do you have past paper examples of the Senior Years assessment?

No, we do not provide past papers and no preparation is necessary.

Do you provide Before and After School Care?                                                                                       

Before School Care is available for a small charge from 8am - 8.30am each morning in the Junior Years, and pupils may go to their classrooms from 8.30am onwards.  After School Care is available free of charge until 4pm each day in the Junior Years, and for a modest charge between 4pm and 6pm. Pupils may attend on either a regular or a casual basis.  Current charges for Before and After School Care can be found on the Fees page.

Do you have dedicated buses from outlying areas?                                                                               

Around half of our pupils travel to school from outside the city of Dundee. Many use public bus or train services to reach us, where dedicated school bus services do not currently operate. The dedicated bus services operated by the School currently run to: Brechin, via Forfar; Blairgowrie; St Andrews; Arbroath; Bridge of Earn, via Perth; and Glenrothes. Our dedicated bus services are timed to arrive at School at around 8.45am, and depart at 4pm. Younger children finishing school at 3.15pm are cared for free of charge until departure time and escorted to the buses. 

Do you have a pre-loved uniform service?                                                                                                 

Yes, our Thrift Shop is staffed by a rota of volunteers drawn from the Old Girls’ Club and from parents. All School uniform is sold in the Thrift Shop including blazers, pinafore, skirts and all regulation sportswear. The Thrift Shop opens on dates throughout the year, usually every 4-6 weeks, and is always open on a date, or dates, in August before the start of the new school year. The Thrift Shop can be contacted at: thriftshop@highschoolofdundee.org.uk  

Make an application

Apply online, download an application form, or request an application pack.

Apply For A Place At The School