[3] One of the school's founders was Lewis Campbell, chairman of the college council for many years and a Classics professor at St Andrews University who advocated for higher education for women.

[4] Consequently, from its earliest days, the college's senior students were encouraged to prepare to matriculate[5] and enjoyed close links with various courses offered at the University of St Andrews; in 1892, the Fifeshire Journal asked its readers: "Who is to enjoy the proud distinction of being the first matriculated girl-student of St Andrews?

[14] Madeline Daniell, the educationalist and campaigner for women's right to higher education, was one of two founding secretaries of the Company.

[16][17] Although her role as principal ended in 1882, her connection to the school remained strong for "forty-five years": During her time as a member of staff of the University of St Andrews' University Hall and in the years after, "Miss Lumsden returned many times to St Leonards to give lectures".

The school is believed to be the first place in the world to have played women's lacrosse after it was introduced by Louisa Lumsden[26][27] in 1890.

[32] Students are given a degree of choice as to which subjects they take, however a number remain compulsory: English, Maths, Science and a foreign language.

[32] As an alternative to the above for pupils who join the school in Year 11, St Leonards offers a one-year Pre-IB course.

[35] Academic study is still very present for CP students alongside the practical aspect, as this programme incorporates at least two DP courses.

[37] St Leonards has been recognised as the "Top Independent Secondary School Sixth Form in Scotland for IB/A Level Results" in 2016, 2017 and 2018.

[38] In 2019, St Leonards was named "Top Independent Secondary School in Scotland" by The Sunday Times Parent Power guide.

School fees at St Leonards for the 2020–2021 academic year ranged from £9,552 to £15,474 for day pupils and £24,651 to £37,452 for boarders.