Scottish Blog

The High School of Glasgow is the oldest school in Scotland.

The High School of Glasgow was established in 1124, making it not only the oldest school in Scotland but the twelfth oldest in the United Kingdom. This is made more impressive by the simple fact that the inception of the school far pre-dates the Scottish Education Act of 1494, and the mandatory schooling that it required.

Originally, the High School of Glasgow was known as the Choir School of Glasgow Cathedral, although it came to be known by it current name in 1834. School records show no reason for this change other than to create a relatively modern and more applicable sound to the name.

Currently, the High School of Glasgow enjoys its status as a private school. Although prior to 1976 this was not the case, with the High School of Glasgow being a public school and an integral part of the Glasgow schooling system.

In its prodigious history, the High School of Glasgow has taught and been taught by a number of very notable figures. Amongst the teachers, probably some of the most impressive have been Nicola park and Thomas Muir, both notable mathematicians. While among the alumni some important figures have included poets like Thomas Campbell and members of Scottish Parliament like Sir Teddy Taylor and Sir Henry Campbell-bannerman.