Mearns Academy is a six year, co-educational, comprehensive school which caters for a full range of courses, subject and abilities. The school is situated in Laurencekirk and has associated Primary Schools in seven surrounding villages. The school roll has risen over recent years and now stands at 681.

The area is probably most famous for its representation in the Lewis Grassic Gibbon trilogy, A Scots Quair. His most celebrated book, Sunset Song is contained in this compilation.

Mearns Academy places great emphasis on developing the personal and social skills and abilities of its pupils, as well as providing for a quality educational experience.