The right choice for your child

As 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, including single-sex, co-educational, day and boarding schools.

There are many schools equipped to deal with complex additional support needs and there are plenty schools with small pupil rolls or in rural locations.

So whether you have a techloving future internet entrepreneur on your hands or a child who craves hours of fresh air and exercise every day, Scotland’s independent schools offer you the freedom to find the right educational environment for your son or daughter.

Here are just a few reasons from the Scottish Council of Independent Schools as to why this may be the right choice for your child:

DIVERSE SIX

Scotland has always placed great value on education and today more than 30,000 children and young people attend an independent school. More than 25% of pupils received financial assistance with fees in 2015-16, while nearly a third of boarders came from overseas.

This creates a healthy mix of cultures, abilities and backgrounds as varied as the children’s own personalities.

A diverse community environment mirrors the real world and will serve your child well in the future.

OPPORTUNITIES

Scotland’s independent schools are set up to give your child every opportunity both inside and outside the classroom. The schools’ 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 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 SCHOOLS

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 scotlandsboardingschools. org.uk.

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.

Staff would be delighted to show you around, give you a feel for life at the school and answer any questions you might have.

For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the SCIS website at scis. org.uk.