A Scottish independent school has come up with a new way for prospective families to see its grounds and facilities that is COVID-safe.
Glenalmond College in Perthshire now offers families drive-through tours that will enable them to remain inside their own vehicles.
They will be led through the school’s grounds in convoy, with either pre-recorded information or a running commentary via mobile phone from a member of the school’s admissions team on board the lead vehicle.
Director of admissions Kitty Lindsay explained: “Families considering senior schools will spend a lot of time researching the best options for their children via websites and online visits. However, parents who register their pupils with Glenalmond often tell us that it was only when they actually visited us in person that they really got the ‘feel’ of the school and what sets it apart.
“So, we were looking at what we could offer which would be COVID-safe and still allow families to see the school first-hand. We have a stunning driveway – our front avenue – which leads up to the main school buildings and our drive-through visitors will still be able to experience the ‘wow factor’ of the first glimpse of the buildings through the trees on the way in.”
During one of the first drive-through visits, Lindsay drove one of the school’s gators throughout the grounds.
“They will also get a sense of the sheer scale of our grounds, including a nine-hole golf course and our new golf hub and a chance to view our superb facilities from their cars. We are confident that the new drive-through experience will allow them to leave with a keen sense of spirit of our school.”
Some of the sights families will see on their tour include the quad – which the school describes as having a Hogwarts-style dining hall – library, chapel and outdoor classroom. The school said it also provides a home for a myriad of wildlife, including red squirrels, which may be spotted during the tour.
Lindsay said the idea for the drive-through tours emerged after the school, like many other independent schools, put together a virtual open day over the summer when prospective families could not visit in person due to restrictions.
