Opening up your child’s potential
◆ To work out which school offers the best fit, an open day visit is essential, writes Sarah Devine
There are more than 70 independent schools across Scotland, according to the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SICS), and each has its own unique focus on developing confident individuals to prepare them for the next stage of their learning.
More than 29,400 children are educated by the sector annually, thanks to the wide range of choice available, such as single-sex education, boarding or day schooling, internationally-linked schools, and stand-alone primaries.
Plenty of information about each school can be found on their websites and in prospectuses, but it is strongly recommended that families visit them – ideally on one of the upcoming open days (see panel) to find the right fit for their child.
“There is always an open invitation so all families have to do is pick up the phone to the admissions office and arrange a visit,” says Melvyn Roffe, principal of Edinburgh-based George Watson’s College.
“It is important that young people can see themselves in the school. It is one thing for parents to be impressed about a place, but the important thing is that prospective pupils can imagine themselves in that classroom or taking part in that activity.
“It is important that they feel at the very start that they see themselves here, and it is a school that could be a home for them.”
The co-educational day school is based on a single campus in Edinburgh, and Roffe emphasises that parents and guardians should consider if the school “fits into the rhythm of their own family life” when visiting.
Dr Graham Hawley, headmaster at Loretto School in Musselburgh, East Lothian, also has advice for prospective families.
The co-educational day and boarding school is perhaps best known for its renowned Golf Academy, and weeks there run from Monday to Friday to ensure plenty of time for both academic study and training for co-curricular activities.
Dr Hawley explains: “It is a good idea for parents to look at two or three schools at least.
“We are blessed in Edinburgh – and indeed throughout Scotland – with many fine schools, and I don’t believe that there is an objectively best school, but there will be a school with the best fit for a child.”
Loretto’s open day will include a tour of the school and an opportunity to hear from staff and current pupils.
Some families may be entering into schools dedicated to younger age groups, such as The Compass School in Haddington, East Lothian’s only independent primary school and nursery.
The school is unique in that it remains separate from any others and so teaches a broad curriculum to cater for all
It is important that young people can see themselves in the school
leaver destinations, including local authority schools as well as independent.
Headteacher Mark Becher suggests penning down any queries in advance of a visit. “It is always good if they have a series of questions before they arrive,” he maintains.
“Some questions will come naturally as they go round the school, but it is not a bad idea to write them down.
“Never be afraid of walking away from an open day and realising you didn’t ask certain questions – we are always available to answer any queries and to help parents in terms of making the choice of school.”
Compass is also well versed in taking on pupils throughout the learning journey, and is happy to work with families to find out the areas in which they can help children thrive.
The Regius School in Edinburgh is also dedicated to younger children, from Primary 1 to S2.
The 34-strong day school will host an open day next month where families of prospective pupils can attend a tour, see a video of school highlights, find out about the Curriculum for Excellence, and ask questions.
Headteacher Rachel Meldrum adds: “Our motto is: provide a Christian education to transform a generation. Our school our culture is
one of honour and it is a place of safety. Children are encouraged to reach their potential and our small class sizes enable that to happen.
“While you don’t have to be Christian to attend the school, we very much have God at the centre of what we are doing, and the children are encouraged to follow those values of Christian faith.”
For some families, singlesex education is preferred.
At St George’s School in Edinburgh, boys may join up to Primary 3, but girls benefit from not being burdened with stereotypes. One consequence of this is that the school has been addressing the lack of females in industries such as artificial intelligence.
Head Carol Chandlerthompson says: “Every role model the girls see is female here – for example, the head of the hockey team, debating society, or the school captain. Families may
think that environment may be empowering for their daughter.”
Alongside day pupils, up to 50 boarders are supported by St George’s staff in familyrun residential homes where there is a big-sister-littlesister atmosphere.
Each place of learning wants to support all families as much as possible throughout their child’s education, but also when it comes to choosing the right fit.
Chandler-thompson emphasises that her open day is designed to be as typical a day at St George’s as possible.
She concludes: “It is a really good way to sense the relationships within the school community and be shown around by students.
“I’d encourage parents to try to imagine their own daughter here, and consider if it is somewhere she could really belong and benefit from all of the wonderful opportunities.”