The Glenalmond Group, comprising Glenalmond College and Craigclowan School & Nursery in Scotland, has entered a landmark partnership with 35 Education, a UK-based philanthropic education enterprise led by Professor Basak Akdemir. The move promises significant investment, global vision, and expanded opportunities for students.

Transformational Vision and Global Expertise

35 Education, founded by Professor Akdemir, a former CEO of major international education organisations, brings a strategic global perspective to the Glenalmond Group. Akdemir, based in London, emphasized her admiration for Glenalmond’s traditional values and its unique 300-acre campus, the largest school campus in Scotland.

Prof. Basak Akdemir

Lucy Elphinstone, former headmistress of Francis Holland School and current Chair of Glenalmond’s Education Committee, will lead strategic development. “We will provide a dynamic curriculum that develops young people’s mental strength and emotional resilience,” Elphinstone said.

Key Developments and Investments

Under the new collaboration, Glenalmond Group will see wide-ranging enhancements, including:

• Forty Full Scholarships: 35 Education is funding up to 100% scholarships for talented students at Glenalmond College.
• Long-Term Financial Stability: The partnership secures the Group’s financial future in a challenging education sector.
• Campus Development: Planned upgrades include new pupil accommodation, sports and arts facilities, and advanced technology infrastructure.
• Innovative Curricula: A renewed focus on entrepreneurship and leadership will be embedded in academic programming.

Boosting Glenalmond’s Sporting Profile

35 Education is also investing heavily in sports development. Mike Farnan, former Managing Director of Manchester United International, joins as Head of Sports Strategy. Farnan’s career includes leadership roles at Jordan F1 and Williams F1, bringing elite-level sports marketing expertise to the Group.

“Our goal is to build one of the UK’s most elite sports programmes,” said Akdemir, who highlighted Glenalmond’s existing strengths in rugby, football, tennis, lacrosse, golf, and cricket.

Strategic Growth and Global Ambitions

The partnership aims to position Glenalmond College as a global education leader. 35 Education intends to attract both UK and international students and may expand Glenalmond’s educational model abroad.

Professor Akdemir shared, “Our vision is to transform Glenalmond into one of the most inspiring and innovative schools in the UK, while expanding its global footprint.”

Ian Gray OBE, Chair of Glenalmond’s Board of Governors, praised the collaboration as “transformational and forward-looking.” He added, “The immediate substantial cash injection ensures the Glenalmond Group remains financially robust and ready to grow.”

Commitment to Craigclowan

Craigclowan School & Nursery, as part of the Group, will also benefit from the partnership. It will maintain its identity as a preparatory school while aligning with the broader all-through educational vision of the Glenalmond Group.

This partnership signals a bold new chapter for Glenalmond, one that blends tradition with innovation to offer world-class education and holistic development for students locally and globally.