ends) and five martels (heraldic swallows). The motto below the shield is Tenez Ferme (hold fast), chosen at the suggestion of Dr Esslemont Adams, a member of the school's Council. The motto refers back to a story in the life of St Margaret. When she was riding pillion behind a seneschal they came to a boggy piece of ground and the seneschal cried out 'Haud siccar'. The Scots was translated into French when the motto was adopted officially as part of the school's coat of arms. Academics In 2018, St Margaret’s celebrated another year of excellent results. The pass rate at Advanced Higher was 96% (A-C grade), with 90% of grades awarded at A or B grade, while the pass rate was 95% at Higher level for S5 pupils (A-C grade), with 88% achieving A or B grade. Pupils in fourth year received a 98% pass rate at National 5, with 90% of candidates achieving at A or B level. Houses The school operates three ‘houses’, all of which are named after local Scottish castles. Each pupil is allocated a house upon entering the school. They can win points for their house by completing various activities, competing in sports events and demonstrating an ‘above and beyond’ attitude with the aim of winning the House Shield at the end of the year. Kildrummy: Kildrummy House is named after the great castle of Kildrummy, 35 miles west of Aberdeen. Crathes: Crathes Castle, owned by the National Trust, was built by the Burnett family in 1553 and, unlike the other two castles that represent Houses in St Margaret’s, is still standing intact today. Dunnottar: Named after the castle situated on the cliffs near Stonehaven. References External links School website St Margaret's School for Girls' page on Scottish Schools Online HMIE Inspection Report Secondary schools in Aberdeen Private schools in Aberdeen Girls' schools in Aberdeen Member schools of the Girls' Schools Association