You’re almost there! As you walk along Colebrooke Street, keep your eyes peeled for a grand, traditional sandstone building ahead with wide steps leading up and tall windows looking out over the street. You might even spot the school’s crest-a bold badge with a proud purple lion and a motto that shouts tradition-by the entrance. When you see the tidy grounds and the old tree shading the way, you’ll know you’ve arrived at The Glasgow Academy.
Now, imagine yourself standing here in front of this impressive school, where the air almost hums with history and ambition. Close your eyes for a second-can you hear the distant echo of footsteps hurrying across the quad?
The Glasgow Academy sprang to life in 1845, thanks to William Campbell and some determined Free Church ministers who gathered in the Star Hotel-no Hogwarts basement, but definitely a magical Scottish beginning! Since then, it’s been a powerhouse of learning, with students charging in from all corners of the city. They say when the Scottish Rugby Union was founded in 1873, you could almost hear the rumble of rugby boots in these very halls.
And as you stand here now, think of the thousands of pupils, from age three to eighteen, who have passed under those arches. Rumor has it, back in the '80s, the first girls joined the school-and the excitement was nearly as loud as rugby practice! The school not only has brains, with some of Scotland’s best exam results, but also a heart, winning the Diana Gold Award for anti-bullying. Imagine all those shining tartan uniforms, and now, quite a touch of purple mixed in, thanks to merging with Westbourne School for Girls.
If the stone walls could whisper, you might hear tales about famous students-J.M. Barrie, who dreamed up Peter Pan, and even politicians and explorers who roamed far and wide. Don’t worry, if you listen very closely, you won’t hear the ticking of “exam clocks,” just the friendly chatter and mischievous laughter drifting from the lunch hall.
And the crest above you-see the lion? They say he stands guard day and night, making sure students remember the school’s motto: Serva Fidem, “Keep the Faith.” Not bad advice for life or exams, really!
Alright, onward to our next stop. I promise there’ll be a lot less homework there!
