Dollar Academy has long been recognised as one of Scotland’s most respected rugby schools, but step inside its Ochil Hills campus and it becomes clear that sport here is never just about winning on the pitch. Instead, it’s part of a broader ethos: that lessons learned on the playing field are as valuable as those in the classroom.
Recently named The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year in Scotland (2024), Dollar is redefining what it means to balance elite sport with first-class education. Pupils here are encouraged to “work hard, get involved and be kind” – values that underpin everything from academics to athletics.
Beyond the Game
Whether it’s rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, golf or athletics, Dollar’s co-curricular programme is designed to give every pupil an opportunity to participate. More than 120 different activities are offered, with sport sitting alongside music, drama, outdoor pursuits and even Scotland’s largest Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
But what sets Dollar apart is how seamlessly these activities link with academic and personal development. From the prep years through to senior school, pupils follow a pathway that integrates movement, wellbeing and resilience alongside their studies. The result? Young people who are not only skilled athletes, but also confident, adaptable and ready for the challenges ahead.
Classroom to Clubhouse
That integration is evident across the curriculum. Pupils have access to one of the widest academic offerings in Scotland, with 34 subjects to choose from at qualification level, ranging from Psychology and Philosophy to Cyber Security and Costume Design. For those with elite sporting ambitions, Dollar’s Talented Athlete Programme offers tailored support to balance the demands of training and competition with academic commitments.
It’s a system that works over 60% of pupils go on to study at Russell Group or top US universities, with many combining their academic pathways with high-level sporting opportunities.
A Sporting Tradition
On the pitch, Dollar continues to build its reputation as one of Scotland’s leading rugby and hockey schools. The arrival of Stevie Wilson as Head of Rugby signals a new era, strengthening a programme that already nurtures players from grassroots right through to national representation. Partnerships such as the recently launched Golf Programme with Gleneagles’ PGA Academy further underline the school’s ambition to provide world-class opportunities.
But crucially, sport at Dollar isn’t reserved for the elite. As Wilson himself puts it, the aim is to make rugby – and all sports – “the best part of the school day” for every pupil, regardless of level.
A Future Built on Balance
For Dollar Academy, sport is not an add-on but a central part of education – where lessons from the classroom flow naturally into the clubhouse. It’s an approach that has shaped generations of pupils and continues to prepare the next wave of young people to thrive, whether their future lies in professional sport, academia, or beyond.
Visit Dollar Academy online: Dollaracademy.org.uk
Dollar Academy: Frequently Asked Questions
What makes sport at Dollar Academy different?
Sport is integral to education at Dollar—not just about winning. It develops wellbeing, resilience and teamwork alongside academic learning.
Which sports can pupils play?
Pupils can take part in rugby, hockey, cricket, tennis, golf, athletics and more within a broad co-curricular programme.
How does Dollar balance elite sport with academics?
The school integrates movement and wellbeing through the curriculum and offers tailored support so pupils can train and study effectively.
What is the Talented Athlete Programme?
A support pathway that helps high-performing pupils manage training and competition alongside academic commitments.
How wide is the academic offer?
Dollar provides one of Scotland’s widest choices, with 34 qualification subjects ranging from Psychology and Philosophy to Cyber Security and Costume Design.
What are typical destinations after school?
Over 60% of leavers progress to Russell Group universities or top US institutions, often continuing with high-level sport.
Who leads rugby at Dollar Academy?
Head of Rugby Stevie Wilson leads a programme that develops players from grassroots through to national representation.
Is sport only for elite performers?
No. Every pupil is encouraged to get involved, with programmes designed to make sport a positive part of the school day at every level.
What co-curricular options are available beyond sport?
More than 120 activities, including music, drama, outdoor pursuits and Scotland’s largest Duke of Edinburgh’s Award programme.
Has Dollar Academy won recent awards?
Yes. The school was named The Sunday Times Independent School of the Year in Scotland (2024).
