Leading the charge for self-expression
Independent education is not just about academic achievement but building a pupil’s confidence in their interests and talents, so that they grow up happy to meet the wider world head on, writes Sarah Devine
Scotland’s independent education sector does more than develop a strong academic grounding, it nurtures the varied talents and interests of puplis to produce rounded individuals who are confident and ready for the world outside of the classroom.
The sector’s diverse offerings means that choosing a school can be tough, but each establishment is unique and offers something truly special for each individual.
John Edward, director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools, says: “In Edinburgh alone, there are single-sex, preparatory, boarding and all-through schools that include nursery and prenursery, so there is every choice available.
“There is also as wide a subject choice as you will find anywhere in the United Kingdom, whether it is modern languages, engineering, economics and business or design.”
These subjects also include Mandarin, environmental science, classical studies and Latin, which are taught through the International Baccalaureate, Highers and A-level curricula.
In the classroom, an 8.9 average pupil-to-teacher ratio and substantial investment in teaching facilities means that each child can excel academically and capture their interests early.
This academic ability is supported by an unrivalled programme of co-curricular activities, including horse riding, hockey, skiing, music and drama.
The sector has experienced a wealth of co-curricular success of late; Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh had the second-best tennis school in the world in 2017, according to the International School Sport Federation.
Each establishment is unique and offers something truly special for each individual
Meanwhile, the High School of Dundee and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools in Edinburgh nurtured the creativity of singer KT Tunstall and artist Alexander Moffat, respectively.
At most schools, co-curricular talents can thrive thanks to a bespoke timetable for competitive sports training, creating future Olympians and sports stars.
Mark Lauder, headmaster of Strathallan School in Forgandenny, Perthshire, says: “We allow pupils to pursue their dreams but with ‘Plan B’ still intact.”
As most of these activities take place around the usual school hours, boarding is often a preferred option for parents. It is also ideal for guardians who are abroad more often than not.
Linda Moule, principal of Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools in Edinburgh, says: “Boarding provides a programme of activities and outings at the weekends and an academic tutor in the houses.
“The pupils have academic support because that can be quite hard, especially if you have been in a different educational system.”
Pastoral staff at independent schools ensure that children are happy and well-cared for, and every school has a child protection co-ordinator.
As the sector continues to be open and modern, flexi boarding is becoming increasingly popular and is ideal for parents who commute or travel long distances for work.
For example, at St Mary’s School in Melrose, there is the option for pupils to board for just one night a week, up to five.
Many independent primary and junior schools prepare children for the next stage of their learning. Mark Becher, head of the Compass School in Haddington, says: “As they go through school, we build up the opportunity they have to be independent and responsible.
“The school is divided into houses, or families as we call them, and rather than appoint house captains, we appoint houseparents who have the opportunity to organise things for their own house and be there for the younger children.
“That adds to their sense of who they are and builds confidence.”
Nevertheless, 90 per cent of pupils at fee-paying schools attend as day students and children can begin their independent education at any time.”
Dr John Halliday, rector of the High School of Dundee, says: “We have people who are relocating or have suddenly become so incredibly fed up with what they are getting at a local authority school, where they might have various issues.
“These people can approach us at any time of the school year.”
Other independent places of learning provide an all-through education, such as at St Leonards School in St Andrews, Loretto School in Musselburgh and Erskine Stewart’s Melville Schools in Edinburgh.
Pupils at these establishments can start from as young as preschool and continue right up to sixth form – and many find this beneficial.
Edward adds: “If a child who is two, three or five is staying in the
same system with the same staff, curriculum, ethos and facilities, they might be spending 14 years in the same system. But there are many advantages to that.
“These include tracking the child’s progress, finding any additional needs that appear and being able to tailor the individual school experience.”
Apparently, this is especially worthwhile for overseas students and Scotland’s independent schools are proud of their extensive international links.
Indeed, Merchiston Castle School in Edinburgh opened its summer school in Shenzhen, China, last month, which will contribute to the near-£1 billion made by UK international schools annually.
The Shenzhen school will combine the best of Merchiston’s academic success alongside traditional Chinese subjects, creating opportunities for exchange programmes for pupils and staff.
St George’s School for Girls in Edinburgh is a third-time holder of the British Council’s International School Award for 2017-2020, thanks to engagement with schools in the US, Australia, Canada, New Zealand and South Africa.
Head Alex Hems says: “We also host a number of teachers and students from abroad who come to St George’s to find out what we do. It is very important to link to other schools and that is something we take very seriously.”
Of course, none of this comes cheap and the sector has had plenty to contend with in recent years – from Brexit uncertainty to the end of business rates relief, and even the closure of Beaconhurst Senior School in Bridge of Allan. However, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools remains positive.
It points to the fact that its numbers have remained steady this year at almost 30,000 pupils across the 74 independent schools in Scotland.
In spite of business rates relief coming to an end in 2020, independent schools continue to offer financial assistance to those who need it. The institutions offer up to 100 per cent bursaries for tuition fees, sibling discounts and scholarships.
The best way to find out about what is available is to visit the schools, which usually hold open days twice a year in September and March.
For those parents who opt to educate their child independently, the benefits are obvious. Scotland’s independent schools support individuals, expand their minds and nuture their talents and prepare them for life.