In a move that blends education with innovation, Lomond School in Helensburgh, Argyll and Bute, has announced it will start accepting Bitcoin as payment for school fees—making it the first private school in the United Kingdom to embrace cryptocurrency.
According to a BBC report on Saturday, the school’s annual tuition can reach up to £38,000.
Beginning in the upcoming autumn term, parents will have the option to pay these fees using Bitcoin.
The decision comes after increasing demand from some parents.
Lomond School explained that the new payment option reflects its core values of independence and innovation.
“The move followed requests from some parents and aligns with its ‘ethos of independent thinking and innovation’,” the school said.
To protect against the volatile nature of cryptocurrency markets, Bitcoin payments will be converted immediately into British pounds.
Speaking on the development, Head teacher Claire Chisholm highlighted the school’s commitment to embracing forward-thinking principles.
“For generations, this school has nurtured inquirers, thinkers, communicators, and open-minded risk-takers,” she stated.
“It’s really no surprise then that the inventor of the television, John Logie Baird, is a former pupil,” she added.
Lomond School, established in 1977 through the merger of Larchfield School and St Bride’s School for Girls, serves students from nursery level through to age 18.
The school emphasized that all Bitcoin transactions will be conducted securely and transparently, and will fully comply with UK financial laws, including anti-money laundering and tax regulations.
Bitcoin, the leading digital currency, operates independently of central banks and continues to experience market volatility, even after a strong surge in value throughout 2024.
