The history of St Leonard’s College

Reproduced with the permission of the National Library of Scotland

St Leonard’s College was founded in 1512 by Archbishop Alexander Stewart and Prior John Hepburn. It was intended for the education of novices of the Augustinian Order – and primarily of the Priory of St Andrews – in Arts and Theology. The newly founded College was administered by the Priory, and its organisation and discipline were of a monastic severity. From the beginning it included other students, and its members studies under the academic supervision of the University of St Andrews.

The College was located at the north-west corner of the Priory precinct. The buildings of the College were arranged around a courtyard and comprised a church, library, common hall, schools, chambers, and lodgings for staff.

In 1544 the college (now known as ”the College of St. Leonard”) acquired a substantial measure of autonomy. Its founded members comprised a Principal, two chaplains, four regents, and a variable number of scholars. The Principal, a Canon of the Priory, gave instruction in Theology, while the regents gave instruction in Arts. The College disassociated itself from the Priory in 1545. The great humanist George Buchanan (1506-82) was Principal of St Leonard’s College from 1566-70. ‌‌

In 1579 the Colleges of St Leonard and St Salvator (founded 1450) were reconstituted as colleges of arts and philosophy while teaching at St Mary’s College (founded 1538) focused on theology.‌ Declining student numbers and the poverty of the University led to the union of the two arts colleges, in 1747, as the United College of St Salvator and St Leonard.

St Leonard's College illustration

Despite the fact that the buildings of St Leonard’s College were in better condition, it was the St Salvator’s site that was chosen to be the seat of the new United College. In 1772 the buildings and gardens of St Leonard’s College passed into private hands, with the exception of the St Leonard’s Chapel, which was explicitly excluded from the sale and still remains a part of the University.

From that date St Leonard’s College existed in name only until 1974 when it was reconstituted as a home for the University’s postgraduate community. It encompasses all postgraduate students of the University of St Andrews, and supports all types of postgraduate activity across the institution. Since 2020, its home is in Old Burgh School.

Contact us

St Leonard's College
The Old Burgh School,
Abbey Walk
St Andrews
KY16 9LB

[email protected]

Phone:+44 (0)1334 46 2003

Upcoming events

Student Services Drop-in with Meha
Friday 29 March 2024, 2.00pm, -5.00pm
Quiet Room, Old Burgh School

Stretching and Meditation

Wednesday 3 April 2024, 5.30pm -6.30pm
Sign up required email: [email protected]

PG Cafe
Thursday 4 April 2024, 2.30pm -4.00pm
Fairlie Social Space, Old Burgh School

PG Cafe
Thursday 11 April 2024, 2.30pm -4.00pm
Fairlie Social Space, Old Burgh School

Writing Retreat – full-day

Wednesday 17 April 2024, 10am -4pm
Muir (109), Old Burgh School
Registration required – [email protected]

Stretching and Meditation

Wednesday 17 April 2024, 5.30pm – 6.30pm
Muir (109), Old Burgh School
Sign up required email:[email protected]

PG Cafe
Thursday 18 April 2024, 2.30pm – 4.00pm
Fairlie Social Area, Old Burgh School