Dumbarton Academy facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Dumbarton Academy |
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The Old Burgh Hall and Academy, Dumbarton.
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| Address | |
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Crosslet Road
, , G82 2AJ
Scotland
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| Coordinates | 55°56′49″N 4°33′32″W / 55.947°N 4.559°W |
| Information | |
| Other name | Dumbarton Grammar School |
| Type | Secondary school |
| Motto | Fortitudo et Fidelitas |
| Established | c1485, 540 years old |
| Local authority | West Dunbartonshire |
| Head teacher | Alison Boyles |
| Gender | Mixed |
| Age | 11 to 18 |
| Enrollment | 500 (ish) |
| Houses | |
| Colour(s) | Royal Blue & Yellow |
| Sports | Football, Hockey, Netball, Rugby |
| Nickname | Dton Accies |
| Alumni name | Old Dton Accies |
Dumbarton Academy is a public secondary school for all students, no matter their background. It teaches both boys and girls. The school was founded around 1485 and was once known as Dumbarton Grammar School. You can find it in the historic town of Dumbarton, Scotland.
Contents
School History: A Journey Through Time
Early Days: The School's Beginnings
The first time Dumbarton Academy was mentioned in records was in 1485. Back then, it was called Dumbarton Grammar School. A special document from that year shows that land was given to the chaplain of St. Peter's Altar at Dumbarton's church. This gift meant the chaplain would also be the master of the Grammar School.
Historians believe the school might be even older than 1485. Its exact starting date is still a bit of a mystery!
Matthew Forsyth was the first recorded schoolmaster in 1512. For many years, during the 1600s and most of the 1700s, the school was located in rooms at the bottom of the parish church's tower.
New Buildings: Growing with the Town
By the late 1700s, the church was not the best place for a school. In 1761, the schoolmaster, Robert Colquhoun, asked the Dumbarton Town Council for a better building. The council agreed, and the school moved to "Walker's Close" on Dumbarton High Street.
In 1785, land was set aside for a new school building on Church Street. Just four years later, in 1789, a new school opened there. Today, St. Augustine's Church Halls stand on that spot.
As the shipbuilding industry grew in Dumbarton, so did the town's population. By 1860, it was clear that an even bigger school was needed.
A new building that combined the town hall and the academy was built in 1866. It was designed by famous architects Robert Grieve Melvin and William Leiper. This grand stone building was finished in two parts: the town hall in January 1866 and the school in August of the same year.
This new building brought big changes to the school. It started having different departments for subjects and more teachers. The curriculum also grew to include science and languages.
In 1882, a fire badly damaged the school. Students had to study in temporary places, like the nearby town hall. After two years of repairs, the rebuilt Academy on Church Street reopened on September 15, 1884.
Another new school building opened in August 1914. It was built on the land where Braehead House used to be, overlooking Dumbarton Common. Because the population was still growing due to shipbuilding, Dumbarton Academy had to become stricter about who could join. Only secondary school students who scored 60% or more on a special exam were accepted.
School's Role in World Wars
Dumbarton Academy played an important part in both World War I and World War II. Many former students and staff joined the military. Some sadly lost their lives. The school helped the war effort by raising money and collecting supplies. They also kept spirits up by writing letters to those serving.
A special memorial was put up to remember those who died. You can see it when you enter the current school building. It lists the names of those who gave their lives.
Modern Changes: A Public School
In the late 1900s, Dumbarton Academy became a free public school. This was part of government changes. The Academy moved to Crosslet Road. The old Braehead School building became Braehead Primary School, teaching younger children. Braehead Primary now sends many of its students to Dumbarton Academy.
In 1985, the school celebrated its 500th birthday! Students put on a concert and art show for the town. A summer fair was also held for everyone to enjoy, thanking the local community.
Dumbarton Academy in the 21st Century
A Brand New Building
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Dumbarton Academy's new building opened in 2013. It cost £15.5 million and has 57 classrooms. It also has great sports facilities and a special 'Walk of Life' timeline. The modern design helps students learn better and use new technology. The Scottish Futures Trust and West Dunbartonshire Council helped pay for the project.
The new school has a theatre hall, a gym, and a modern library. It also has study spaces, multiple 3G sports pitches, and a Sports Hall. The Sports Hall is named after a former teacher who passed away before seeing the new facility.
School Life and Challenges
In 2009, the school received a good report from the HMIE inspection.
Alison Boyles is the current head teacher. She also leads Dalreoch Primary School at the same time.
The school has worked on issues like bullying. They have an Anti-Bullying Policy to help students. The school also has special "anti-bullying toilets." These toilets have an open design to give privacy but also to prevent students from gathering out of sight. This design helps make the school safer.
In 2024, a teacher at the school wrote a book called "The (Mis)adventures of a Dumbarton Maths' Teacher." It became very popular online. The book shares funny stories about his time teaching at the school since 1989. After the book came out, the head teacher, Alison Boyles, sent a letter to parents. She said the council did not know about the book and that its views were not shared by the council or the school. An investigation was started.
Dumbarton Academy's position in the Scottish Secondary School League Tables changed between 2016-17 and 2022-23.
Location of Dumbarton Academy
The school has moved buildings over the centuries, but it has always stayed in Dumbarton.
Dumbarton is in the west of Scotland. It's where the River Leven meets the River Clyde. Just south of Dumbarton is the beautiful Loch Lomond. Dumbarton Castle sits on a volcanic rock and has been an important historical place for hundreds of years. The town's location helped it grow, especially during the shipbuilding times.
Dumbarton was once the capital of the Kingdom of Strathclyde. This was a Celtic kingdom that existed from the 500s to the 1000s. During this time, Dumbarton Castle was a strong fortress and the home of the kings.
School Uniform, Crest, and Motto
The school's colors are royal blue and bright yellow.
The uniform includes a black blazer. Senior students have an extra blue ribbon on their blazers. Students also wear a white shirt, a school tie, dark trousers or a skirt, and black shoes. In colder weather, students can wear a school jumper or cardigan.
The school's crest is shaped like a shield. At the top, it shows an elephant carrying a castle on its back. The elephant is a symbol of strength. At the bottom of the crest, you can see the volcanic rock of Dumbarton. The school does not have an official coat of arms. Historically, it would have used the official symbols of the town of Dumbarton.
Dumbarton Academy's Latin motto is "Fortitudo et Fidelitas." This means "Strength and Loyalty."
Students and School Houses
About 500 students attend the school, spread across six year groups.
Dumbarton Academy has four houses: Fruin, Clyde, Leven, and Luss. These houses are named after important rivers in the local area.
- Fruin – Named after the River Fruin, its color is red.
- Clyde – Named after the River Clyde, its color is blue.
- Leven – Named after the River Leven, its color is yellow.
- Luss – Named after the River Luss, its color is green.
Famous People from Dumbarton Academy
Notable Former Staff
- Raymond Robertson, a politician who was a Member of Parliament from 1992 to 1997.
- Paul Creaney, an author of academic textbooks.
- Bappi Bhattacharyya, an author.
Old Dton Accies: Famous Former Students
Dumbarton Academy has had many famous students who went on to do great things.
One of the most well-known is Sir Jackie Stewart. He is a three-time Formula 1 world champion in car racing.
In writing, A. J. Cronin was a famous novelist and doctor. He wrote popular books like The Citadel and The Keys of the Kingdom.
The artist William Strang RA also studied at the school.
Many former students have also made their mark in politics. David Steel, Baron Steel of Aikwood, was a leader of the Liberal Democrats. He was also the first person to lead the Scottish Parliament. Patrick Harvie, a leader of the Scottish Green Party, also attended Dumbarton Academy. Other notable politicians include John McAusland Denny (a historic politician), John Hutcheson (a New Zealand politician), and Ian Campbell (a former Labour politician).
Douglas Gordon, a well-known Scottish artist, won the Turner Prize in 1996. His art often explores ideas about time and identity. William Strang, a talented painter, was known for his portraits and historical scenes.
In science, Professor John Campbell Brown became the Regius Professor of Astronomy and the Astronomer Royal for Scotland in 1995.
In business, Sir Archibald Denny was a very important person in the shipbuilding industry on the River Clyde.
See also
- List of the oldest schools in the United Kingdom
