Choosing an independent education for your child
s a parent, it’s natural to want to give your child every opportunity to discover what they’re good at and what they love doing in a safe and supportive environment. Which is why, in Scotland we are very fortunate. We have a wide range of first-rate independent schools to choose from. So whether you have a tech-loving future internet entrepreneur on your hands, or a child who craves hours of fresh air and exercise every day, Scotland’s independent schools can offer you the freedom to find the right educational environment for your son or daughter.
You have a choice of:
Single sex or co-educational schools Large and small schools in both urban and countryside settings Day schools, boarding schools and those who offer both Schools equipped to deal with Complex Additional Support Needs A healthy and diverse mix of backgrounds Scotland has always placed great value on education, and today more than 30,000 children and young people attend an independent school. Over 25% of pupils received financial assistance with fees in 2015-16, while nearly a third of boarders came from overseas.
The healthy mix of abilities and backgrounds that abound are as varied as the personalities of the children themselves. Altogether making for a vibrant and modern community that mirrors the real world and will serve your child well for the future. The independent school advantage When children are young we often wonder what the future will hold. Will they be musical? Will they be academic? Who will they choose as their friends? Scotland’s independent schools are set up to give your child every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom.
The schools’ reputation for academic excellence is an obvious attraction for many parents. Smaller pupil/teacher ratios and significant investment in modern, stimulating teaching facilities attracts the highest calibre of teaching staff capable of igniting a passion for the subjects they teach.
Born digital natives, most children and young people today want to feel stretched, challenged and inspired by new technology. While the imposing architecture of some school buildings might give off an air of Hogwarts, once inside it’s definitely more iPad Air and the magic of cloud computing. Boarding Scotland’s boarding schools offer something unique; a breadth and depth of education that is as rich as the landscape and culture it’s set in. Scotland is also one of the safest and friendliest places in the world to study. The schools have an enviable record for success. Combine this with an adventure-packed landscape to both explore and study, and it’s easy to see why Scotland remains such a popular choice. For more information about boarding in Scotland visit www.scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk. Early years nursery education Nursery places are widely available for three and four year olds. Just like private nurseries, many schools accept Childcare Vouchers and offer partnership funding arrangements with local authorities. Attending nursery before Junior School is a great way to smooth the transition to ‘big school’ and enables younger siblings to feel part of the same fun environment. How much does an independent education cost? Fees vary widely between independent schools and most publish fees and expected expenses on their website.
However, schools are sensitive to the sacrifices many parents make in order to afford school fees. The year before you plan to
enrol, please ask the school of your choice about the financial options they have available. You’ll find some families use direct debit to spread the cost throughout the year; others have grandparents or other family members contributing directly.
Fee assistance
All schools offer some level of fee assistance too which is usually awarded on the basis of financial need. In 2015-16, over 600 children received a free place, and one in four children received financial help with their fees (usually 20 per cent and upwards). Financial assistance is generally awarded from P7 through Senior School.
To receive assistance with fees your child simply has to meet the normal entry scholarship.
See for yourself
All schools welcome visits from prospective families throughout the year. Look out for details of open days on the school’s website, or alternatively ask for an appointment where staff will be delighted to show you round, give you a feel for life at the school and answer any questions you may have. For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at scis.org.uk.