From the Rector

Dollar Academy has never been stronger. Our enrolment is robust, our teaching staff second to none, our exam results superb, and our future exciting. Like everything, schools develop, and Dollar has developed a great deal whilst still maintaining its ethos and traditions.

Long-term, the Governors are looking at how to maintain our standards of excellence, and there are a number of initiatives and projects which will enhance Dollar in future. Our balance sheet is very healthy, but fee income alone cannot accommodate all the improvements and changes we envisage. We are extremely fortunate that the school operates with a surplus each year, and we have no debt, thanks to prudent fiscal management. Currently, we have a modest endowment, only the income of which is spent each year. In order to pay for new facilities, we also need to seek other forms of revenue on an ongoing basis to enable us to do more in our provision of a Dollar education. We wish to accomplish this agenda sooner rather than later and without incurring any debt.

Our approach will continue to be one of careful financial management in partnership with increased philanthropic gifts on a continuous basis. The recent six-figure legacy from the Maguire family is a marvellous start and will help tremendously with our next big capital project, planned to be the new sports complex. In addition to the Maguire legacy, we introduced The Captain John McNabb Society last session, and are now encouraging our former pupils to consider leaving a legacy in their wills as a way of helping the Academy.

The approach we are taking is one that encourages members of the Dollar family to give back to Dollar Academy in various ways. We have now established The 1802 Foundation in order to encourage giving to Dollar Academy on a regular basis, rather than by a large appeal. This will help us achieve our future agenda. This requires a long-term approach, but one that over the years we hope will be of great benefit to the Academy.