Reasons to make every day independents day

Scotland’s independent schools can give your child an education that will serve them well in today’s modern, global, changing world. Here, we lay out the reasons why.

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, and there are a wide range of first-rate independent schools to choose from.

The schools’ reputation for academic excellence is an obvious attraction for many parents 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.

However, independent schools offer so much more than formal lessons. Extra-curricular activities are equally as important as academic learning, as they enable students to truly flourish and discover what they are made of!

There are lots of opportunities to learn outside the classroom, which provide personal challenges, the chance to learn teamwork and the discovery of new skills, so students are encouraged to participate and to give of their best.

A healthy and diverse range of backgrounds

Scotland has always placed great value on education, and independent schools are more accessible and inclusive than you might think. Today around 30,000 children and young people attend an independent school with more than 25% of pupils receiving help with fees in 2016-17, amounting to more than £47 million in financial assistance, 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, making for a vibrant and modern community that mirrors the real world and will serve your child well for the future.

How much does an independent education cost?

Affordability is something that schools are very conscious of and schools are sensitive to the pressures that parents face – particularly in the current economic climate – and work hard to keep fee increases as low as possible, to ease the burden on parents and widen access.

All schools offer some level of fee assistance, which is usually awarded on the basis of financial need. In 2017 more than 600 children received a free place, and one in four children received financial help with their fees (usually 20% and upwards). To receive assistance with fees, your child simply has to meet the standard entry requirements.

Boarding in Scotland

The 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. Visit www.scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk for more information about boarding in Scotland.

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 ask for an appointment, when staff will be delighted to show you round, give you a feel for life at the school and answer any questions.

Picture: Getty Images. Bright future: Scotland’s independent schools have a reputation for academic excellence.