In Kirkcudbright Academy , education is a careful blend of
tradition and innovation. We hold firmly to those aspects
of schooling that we believe are of fundamental importance
- courtesy, self-discipline, uniform, homework, sporting and
social activities. At the same time, we move forward,
providing the facilities and teaching the skills that will allow
our youngsters to make good use of the technologies and
opportunities that this rapidly developing world offers them.
Within this school community or team with its strong sense
of corporate identity, we prize the individual and work hard
to encourage each youngster to be confident, considerate
and ambitious. Our expectations of ourselves and of our
pupils are high.

The school motto "Radicem Firmant Frondes" (from the roots comes strength) continues to hold true. Only if the pupils, teachers and parents of today work together, will Kirkcudbright Academy go from strength to strength. A strong school such as this offers each and every pupil a positive, enriching and memorable experience.

The Royal Burgh of Kirkcudbright, former county town of the Stewartry of Kirkcudbright in the rural region of Dumfries and Galloway , is a picturesque harbour town on the banks of the River Dee. Fishing is an important part of the local economy along with various food processing firms but the main industry of the town is tourism. Visitors are attracted by the beauty of the surrounding scenery, both hills and coastline, the colourfully painted local houses and by Kirkcudbright's reputation as "The Artists' Town".

The population of 3,000 supports a wide range of leisure, cultural and sporting activities and there is a strong community spirit in the town making it an excellent place for families.

Situated at the axis point of the town's historic High Street, Kirkcudbright Academy is set in pleasant, landscaped grounds. In one direction it looks onto the Tolbooth, rooftops and gardens of the old town; in the other across the playing fields to the estuary of the River Dee. A school has existed in Kirkcudbright since 1455 and the Academy is first mentioned in Council minutes in 1576. According to Burgh records, it occupied various sites within the town until the 18th century when it moved to its present site.

The present main school building dates from 1926. Major additions have been made in 1931 (Cochran Hall), 1958 (new block), 1970 (Games Hall), 1973 (Library) and 1990 (Mathematics block). The most recent building programme has resulted in extensive refurbishment of the Science laboratories and the creation of a Multi Use Games Area (MUGA) in 2005.

Until the late 19th century, Classics, English and Book-keeping were the subjects taught. The curriculum on offer to pupils today covers a wide variety of subjects to meet changing demands. Pupils are presented for SQA National Qualifications at Standard Grade, Intermediate, Higher and Advanced Higher levels.

The Academy is non-denominational and serves the towns of Kirkcudbright, Gatehouse of Fleet and surrounding areas. There are six associated primary schools - Kirkcudbright's primary schools (Castledykes and Johnston) and the primary schools serving the Auchencairn, Borgue, Gatehouse and Twynholm areas. Some pupils attend the Academy from outwith this catchment area when parents wish to exercise their freedom of choice. There are approximately 540 pupils on the roll.