Could your ideal school be independent?

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.

Some are large, some are small, some are single sex, others are co-ed, some are set in acres of countryside, others look like Hogwarts in the city.

Regardless of geography or size, each one has its own distinct ethos and diverse community where children of all ages, abilities and needs thrive. The schools provide a comprehensive and consistent approach to a child’s education.

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 four percent 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 3,000 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. Pupil/teacher ratios and significant investment in modern, stimulating teaching facilities attract 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. After School Clubs are readily available and run in all but one school by permanent staff. Knowing there are qualified staff on hand to assist with homework, can be especially useful during busy times when there’s a lot going on.

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. Look for details of Open Days on the school’s website, or alternatively ask for an appointment 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.

CONTACT

For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at scis.org.uk