2025 Robert Burns Scottish Scholars

Lila Waghorn and Tom Simpson (both Year 12) returned from their month-long adventure in Scotland as the 2025 Robert Burns Scottish Scholars, full of tales of warm hospitality, new friendships, personal growth, and of course, bagpipes and haggis.

“From stepping onto Scottish soil, to seeing the beautiful countryside, and meeting so many wonderful people, the experience was incredible. It is something I will carry with me for the rest of my life,” says Lila.

St Andrew’s sent its first scholars to Scotland in 2006, and since 2018, the programme has been named the Robert Burns Scottish Scholars in recognition of the beloved 17th century Scottish poet.

After arriving in Scotland, Lila and Tom were separated to visit the five schools on their individual itineraries in various parts of Scotland. They were reunited at the end of the trip at George Heriot’s School in Edinburgh, before enjoying a special visit to the Robert Burns Centre in Dumfries, where they were hosted by the Robert Burns Federation.

This was a highlight of the trip for Lila, along with all the new friends she made on the way. “I discovered Scottish people are just like us Kiwis with the same pride for their country and school.”

For Tom, the highlight was attending St Leonard’s School in St Andrews, he shares. “It was great being so close to the town centre and I even got a round of golf in at the home of golf.”

Tom was surprised that despite their large campuses, most of the schools he visited had around 500 students, much smaller numbers than St Andrew’s.

Lila and Tom are grateful to all who contributed to the scholarship, particularly Director of International Students and Exchanges, Palē Tauti, Rector, Mark Wilson, and Rob Bruce-Barron (OC 1953) whose generosity in sponsoring the scholarships makes the trip possible.

“I highly encourage every student to apply for this scholarship in the future,” says Tom. “It is not often you get the chance to travel across the globe to spend time in some of the best schools in the world. Give it your best shot!”