The Gordonstoun Fellowship

Celebrating those who have used their experience of a Gordonstoun education as a foundation to achieve excellence in their lives.

Fellows are nominated by members of our community and are chosen for outstanding achievements in their field and where there is a credible link to the school's motto, pillars and values.

The award recognises achievements across diverse subject matters, sectors and types of achievement.

We expect to induct 100 Fellows by our centenary in 2034.

Gordonstoun Fellowship Recipients 2024-25:

Founding Fellows nominated for their pivotal role in the founding of Gordonstoun:

Lt Col. Robert (Bobby) Chew CVO 

(1907-1970)

Former Staff Member

Recognised as one of the founding Masters of Gordonstoun, establishing the school alongside Kurt Hahn in 1934 and remaining a significant influence for more than 30 years.

Professor Lina Richter

(1872-1960)

Former Staff Member

Recognised for her work alongside Kurt Hahn in establishing both Salem School and Gordonstoun from the very beginning.

Lady Leslie (May) Smith Cumming

(1860-1938)

Former Staff Member

Recognised for her very personal role in the founding of Gordonstoun as a lifelong friend and supporter of Kurt Hahn and benefactor of the finances that established the school.

Geoffrey Winthrop-Young

(1876-1958)

Former Governor

Recognised for his pivotal role in the founding of Gordonstoun and his contributions to the Outward Bound movement.                                                                                                                          

2024-25 Gordonstoun Fellows:

Robin Birley OBE  (1935-2018)  

Former Staff Member

Recognised for his commitment to making archaeology accessible to all, whilst excavating, opening and preserving the Roman site of Vindolanda.

Professor Barry Cooper

Bruce, 1966 

Recognised as a world-renowned Beethoven scholar, composer and Professor of Music.


Sheila Duffy


Hopeman, 1980

Recognised for services to public health, driving change on issues relating to tobacco use.  

Hobart Earle


Cumming, 1979

Recognised as a dynamic and exciting conductor who, as Music Director of the Odesa Philharmonic Orchestra, uses music as vehicle for providing peace.   

Michael Flesch KC

Round Square, 1958

Recognised as an eminent legal mind who helped develop significant tax case law, representing individuals and companies against HMRC in taxation cases.

Prof Mike Giles FRS

Altyre, 1977

Recognised for his contribution to the world of applied mathematics in the fields of engineering and finance.

Matthew Hollingworth

Bruce, 1993

Recognised for his humanitarian work in some of the most besieged areas of the world, leading complex crisis response and recovery operations in disaster or conflict zones

John Jackson

Windmill, 1962

Recognised for his achievements in biotechnology and dedication to bettering the world of healthcare and education


Commodore Catherine Jordan LVO RN

Windmill, 1993

Recognised for a trailblazing military career, combining aviation and commanding officer positions in the Royal Navy, establishing precedent for female leadership.

       HRM Senator        Nfon Mukete IV  Ekoko

Bruce, 1984 

Recognised for his international business acumen and transformative work in modernising tribal rule in Cameroon.

Michael Rennie (1917-1940)


Gordonstoun House, 1937

Recognised for a selfless act of bravery, sacrificing his life for the children in his care during WWII.

Allan Shiach


Round Square, 1956

Recognised for services to the Scottish film and whisky industries as a dynamic business leader and award-winning screenwriter and producer.

Nominate Future Fellows

We are seeking nominations for future Fellows from members of the Gordonstoun community.


Nominations should:

    • recognise the outstanding achievements of OGs or  former parents, staff and governors in their chosen field.
    • clearly demonstrate high-level achievement over a sustained period, or be a single exceptional achievement.
    • support the ethos and values of a Gordonstoun education and have a credible link between the achievement and the school's motto, pillars and values.

Nominations can be made at any time, however to be included for consideration in the current years award please ensure your submission is received before the end of June. Nominations from previous years will continue to be included for consideration in future years.

Nominees must be over 18 years of age.

To submit your nomination, please complete the form. If you wish to speak to us about your nomination please get in touch directly via connect@gordonstoun.org.uk

Nomination Form