Gordonstrain

Founded in 1884, Gordonstrain is a leading single-sex public school run on traditional lines with an emphasis on discipline, toughness and moral uprightness. The boys' and girls' schools are housed separately, both in remote castles in the Scottish Highlands. Teachers are drawn largely from the ranks of the military, or are chosen for sporting ability, sound character and adherence to traditional values.

The day begins at 5 a.m. with a cold shower and a six-kilometre run in the hills. Food is simple but nutritious. Sports, especially team games such as rugby and cricket, are seen as particularly important for their role in character-building and play an important part in the curriculum. Discipline is strict and parents must sign an agreement to allow corporal punishment where necessary, although in practice this is rare.

Scandals and criticisms
Progressive thinkers have criticized the school for being over-authoritarian and insensitive to pupils' needs. 
Two teachers were forced to resign over a scandal involving gay sex with senior pupils last year. 

Single-sex. Boarding only. Fees GBP 6,500 per term.	

Summerthrill

Summerthrill has been a serious alternative to a traditional school education since 1925. Founded by renowned educational theorist Bertram 'Bugsy' Freeman, Summerthrill is based on the principle that people should study what they want when they want. All classes are optional. Students can choose which classes they attend and indeed, whether to attend classes at all. 

All decisions at the school are made by a school council made up of students and staff. Student votes are equal to staff votes. 

Many have noted that an education at Summerthrill gives students a sense of self-confidence and independence that is lacking in the alumni of other public schools. Many Summerthrill pupils have gone on to successful careers in the arts, drama, music and the media. 

Scandals and criticisms
Three pupils were arrested and charged with possession of cannabis two years ago. 
The press loves to run scandal stories on the school. 

Co-educational. Boarding only. Fees GBP 6,000 per term.	

Newton College

Newton College was founded in 1965 with the intention of providing a high-quality education with an emphasis on mathematics and science. Based on the premise that a thorough grounding in mathematics, physics and chemistry forms the best intellectual basis for any subsequent career, Newton College has been outstandingly successful in producing graduates who have gone on to glittering careers in such diverse fields as astronomy, engineering and the stock market. 

Scandals and criticisms
Notorious racketeer Conrad White, now serving time in prison for insider trading, is a former pupil.
The school has been criticized in a government report for a lack of sports and other extra-curricular activities.

Co-educational. Day pupils only. Fees GBP 6,500 per term.	

Seton College

Seton is one of England's most famous public schools. Founded in 1660, the school has educated some of the country's leading statesmen including ministers and prime ministers, as well as prominent figures in business, administration, the arts and the academic world. Co-educational since 1975, the school has moved with the times while retaining the traditional values of honesty, modesty and fair-play that have made it so respected.

It was once said that an Old Setonian tie was a passport to a leading position in government or business. Even if that is not entirely true today, men and women educated at Seton frequently go on to play leading roles in all walks of life, both in the UK and abroad. It is true that the contacts a young person makes at Seton are likely to be useful for the rest of his or her life. 

Two members of the British royal family have recently attended Seton.

Scandals and criticisms
The school is resented by many in the country as a bastion of privilege and class-based elitism. 
A boy was expelled last year for running an illegal poker game where the betting stakes were apparently on a par with those at Monte Carlo.
There have been allegations of bizarre initiation rites for secret societies at the school.

Co-educational. Boarding only. Fees GBP 8,500 per term.	

Vocabulary check list

adherence
alumni
authoritarian
bastion
bizarre
cannabis
co-educational
corporal punishment
curriculum
extra-curricular activities
glittering career
initiation rites
inside-trader
moral uprightness
nutritious
on a par
poker
public school
racketeer 
statesman