Give them breathing space

Senior schools

Campbell College, Co Antrim Acreage 100

An all-boys school that, despite its east Belfast location, enjoys extensive wooded grounds encircling a striking Victorian, red-brick building—the setting is said to have inspired one of temporary pupil C. S. Lewis’s Narnia scenes. Big on rugby—international players Mike Gibson, Gordon Hamilton, Chris Farrell and Paddy Wallace started here and it’s won the Ulster Schools Cup 24 times—and the CCF, has a shooting range and offers kayaking. www.campbellcollege.co.uk

Rockport, Co Down Acreage 25

Small, co-ed school on the shores of Belfast Lough (but only 10 minutes away from Belfast airport), a member of the international Round Square organisation that promotes ideals of adventure and environment; the headmaster is a qualified mountain leader and takes children hill-walking in the nearby Mourne Mountains. Has the only school-based golf academy in Ireland, plus fly-fishing, orienteering and sailing from the Ballyholme Yacht Club. www.rockportschool.com

Glenalmond, Perthshire Acreage 300

William Gladstone founded this now co-ed school to distract young men from the temptations of the city, which certainly seem far away in such a magnificent setting. There’s fishing on the Almond, which flows through the grounds, canoeing and kayaking on Loch Freuchie and Loch Tay, climbing at Benny Beg, Crieff, winter ice-climbing on frozen waterfalls, canyoning at Keltyburn, plus riding and skiing. Every year, fifth-formers plan a fundraising 100-mile walk from a given point back to the school. www.glenalmondcollege.co.uk

Kilgraston, Perthshire Acreage 54

The only girls’ boarding school north of the border and the only one in Scotland with its own equestrian centre, hosting the Scottish School Championships; lessons take place after school and at weekends in a floodlit arena. Also offers dinghy sailing, climbing, skiing and a botany society. www.kilgraston.com

Lathallan, Angus Acreage 62

The school, marking its 90th anniversary this year, is spectacularly set in 19th-century Brotherton Castle with grounds running down to Lathallan beach. The environmentalist John Muir was local to the area and there’s a strong emphasis on conservation, particularly beach cleaning, and farm-to-fork living, with pigs, chickens and homegrown fruit and vegetables. Pupils participate in the National Navigation Awards Scheme and undertake mountain-rescue