INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS
Most parents spend a great deal of time seeking out opportunities for their children. We want to introduce our sons and daughters to the subjects, interests and experiences that could shape who they will become, and what they choose to do with their life. Finding the right educational environment for your child obviously has a big part to play and Scotland’s wide selection of independent schools can give you that freedom of choice.
Each SCIS school has a distinct ethos and values, but whether co-ed or single-sex, day school or boarding, each one will encourage your child to be the very best they can be. Schools have the freedom to tap into their passions and promote innovation in future generations.
The question is which one is right for your child?
A healthy and diverse mix of backgrounds
Around 30,000 children in Scotland attend an independent school, that’s around 4% of pupils in Scotland. Almost a third of boarders come from overseas, and in 2019-2020 over 25% of pupils received some sort of financial assistance. This healthy mix of backgrounds, abilities and nationalities makes for a vibrant, modern student body that mirrors the real world and will serve your child well for the future.
Fee assistance
You may be surprised to learn how affordable an independent education can be. Schools are sensitive to the sacrifices many parents make in order to afford school fees and all schools offer some level of fee assistance which is usually awarded on the basis of financial need. In 2019-20, over 3000 children received meanstested fee assistance with 18% of those benefiting from a free place.
The independent school advantage
The schools’ reputation for academic excellence is an obvious attraction for many parents. Although schools have faced their fair share of challenges during the current pandemic, they have adapted and thrived with their new systems of communication. They have succeeded in keeping their pupils on track by fostering a sense of community while apart and ensuring they keep a bit of fun every day to keep the spirits of staff, pupils and parents high. Significant investment in modern, stimulating teaching facilities attracts the highest calibre of teaching staff. Examination choice is often greater too, with subjects like Mandarin, Philosophy, Environmental Science and Drama on offer at Higher and A level.
Independent schools appreciate that parents are investing heavily in their child’s education and place great importance on developing a strong working partnership. You’ll be given clear indicators of your child’s progress goals through frequent parental consultations, good communication and obvious homework signposting. Staff have ready strategies to help every child excel, whether it’s extra stimulation for someone showing clear ability, or a different approach to turn the light on when the topic is tricky.
Continuity of care
We know from talking to parents that it’s a regular struggle balancing the demands of work, homework and after-school activities. Independent schools offer an exciting array of on-site clubs and experiences your child can wrap around their academic day to help them grow both physically, socially and in confidence. Your child will have the opportunity to try all sorts of endeavours from coding to musical theatre without you having to worry about how they’re going to get there or who is going to pick them up.
It’s not a must your child plays rugby or a musical instrument either, with so much on offer you’re as likely to find you have a future Olympic rower or budding tech entrepreneur on your hands.
Scotland’s independent schools will support your child both inside and outside the classroom, with teachers to ignite a passion and stretch their minds, and after school activities to stretch their abilities and bring out their natural talents.
Safe environment
Providing a safe and nurturing environment where children can learn, and flourish is central to the ethos of all independent schools. As with state schools, every school has a trained Child Protection Co-ordinator, strict rules governing protection policies and procedures and is subject to the same exacting standards of safeguarding set by Education Scotland and the Care Commission.
See for yourself
All schools welcome visits from prospective families throughout the year 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. Look for details of open Days on the school’s website, although this year things might look a bit different with schools working hard to create virtual open days.
CONTACT
For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an intendent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at scis.org.uk