People say that high school is the best time. The Halcyon Days of a person’s life. I’m not sure if I particularly agree – life has led me down some increasingly fascinating roads – but I can’t deny that those formative years attending the prestigious Gordonstoun School in the UK, certainly had a profound impact on my life.

Located in the picturesque countryside of Moray, Scotland, Gordonstoun School, is a renowned educational institution with a rich history dating back to its founding in 1934. The school, established in 1934 by Kurt Hahn, a German educator and philosopher who fled Nazi Germany, has a storied history as a pioneering independent school in Scotland. Hahn’s vision was to create an institution that emphasized character development alongside academics, a philosophy he had developed through his experience in German education. 

Distinctive Approach

The school is famous for its distinctive approach not only to education, but with a significant emphasis on character development, outdoor activities, and community service alongside traditional academics. The curriculum focused on holistic growth, and as students we were encouraged to engage in challenging outdoor pursuits such as sailing, hiking, and mountaineering. Every morning we were tasked with a morning run. It taught me the importance of being that proverbial early bird, ready and able to catch the much wanted worm. 

I was given the opportunity to gain a lifeguard qualification and worked to keep the younger students safe during their swimming activities, which bred a strong sense of work ethic and responsibility in me that I have been sure to maintain ever since.

Chapel was compulsory and regardless of religious affinity, having a moment to focus one’s energies, think about the day ahead and get some kind of clarity is something that was a fundamental bonus for me. 

Emphasis on Leadership

The school placed a strong emphasis on fostering leadership skills, teamwork, and resilience – qualities which I have definitely been sure to grow personally and professionally. Gordonstoun has a proud tradition of producing graduates who go on to make significant contributions to society, embodying the values of integrity, compassion, and a strong work ethic instilled during their time at this distinguished Scottish institution. In fact, its alumni include a myriad of people from the world of entertainment, such as David Bowie and Ben Fogle, to members of the Royal Family, including Zara Phillips and King Charles III himself. 

The late Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh also attended the school and from this very school started the Duke of Edinburgh Award – a prestigious self-improvement program for young people that promotes personal development, outdoor activities, and community service.

Character Building

Things weren’t always perfect for me at Gordonstoun. When I first arrived, I was excited for a new adventure across the seas but dubious about being away from family and friends back home. Being far away was initially quite lonely and something I had to get used to over time. Fortunately my fellow students, many of whom were also from far-flung regions around the world, were fantastic at bringing me into the fold and making sure I was made to feel at home. 

There were not a huge amount of creature comforts at the school, which as a child was difficult at first. I later began to realise the benefits of the situation. We were a group of young people from varying backgrounds, but at Gordonstoun we were classmates on equal footing in the same situation – and we were in it together. 

Skills for Life

While I was away from family and learning to be independent and stand on my own two feet as a young man, I was simultaneously forming ties and gaining valuable tools for building long lasting and necessary relationships. That camaraderie had a profound effect on me as I moved through my life and this togetherness with colleagues, coworkers, employees and teammates has continued to be an important factor. 

I learnt the importance of networking and how to engage with people from different walks of life – something that has stood me in good stead until today.  Would I be where I am today without Gordonstoun? I can’t see how that could be possible. The skills and attributes I acquired there, both academically and personally, are skills I use every day – – whether it’s joining together to negotiate the next deal, or working as a team on the next motorsport event. 

Thank you Gordonstoun, for your help in making me the man that I am today.