Top marks for classroom choice
Scotland’s independent schools offer a broad range of opportunities, but also focus on the needs of the individual child, writes
For the nurseries, day, boarding and special needs schools competing for business in Scotland’s independent sector, it’s a tough market. They have rising fees to contend with and every senior management team is increasingly conscious of affordability.
Hurdles to clear in recent years have included OSCR’S charity test, which has had the positive effect of opening up an independent education to more pupils from different backgrounds than ever before.
For some schools, the Scottish Child Abuse Inquiry unearthed ghosts from the days before pastoral care became the priority it is in the sector today, and the latest headlines suggest the sector may be on the verge of having business rates to contend with.
Then there’s Brexit, and while it remains unclear exactly what impact that will have, questions surrounding the UK’S departure from the European Union cannot be ignored.
The post-referendum exchange rates have gone some way to making Scottish independent schools more affordable for international families.
With 31 per cent of pupils who attend the 73 Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) member schools coming from overseas, and generating export earnings in excess of £30 million for the Scottish economy, it’s not a market the sector can afford to lose.
On the whole, school rolls are holding their own, despite the slight
We are able to choose the best qualifications that we think are going to be appropriate for children
drop in children attending SCIS member schools in 2016; the total fell from 30,238 in 2015 to 29,647 last year.
“Certainly we are inundated with inquiries,” says David Gray, principal at ESMS in Edinburgh.
“We have 2,760 children at the moment. All of our year groups are full and have waiting lists so that is very encouraging.
“I think the sector as a whole in Scotland has held steady over the last few volatile years and parents continue to look at the independent sector to provide an all-round education for their children. It is still very desirable for aspirational parents.”
With some schools charging fees in excess of £33,000 a year for fullboarding places, there is no doubt that an independent education should be classed as an investment. But what’s included in the price?
Broadly speaking, independent schools deliver strong academic results, offer an unrivalled breadth of subject choices, and see pupils going on to study at top UK and international universities.
While some schools offer the Scottish curriculum of Nationals and Highers, others teach the English GCSES and A Levels or follow the International
Edinburgh has specialist golf and tennis academies, and Kilgraston near Perth prides itself on its outstanding equestrian facilities.
Likewise, there are schools where performing arts take centre stage.
The High School of Dundee is in the process of developing a £16m centre of excellence for performing and visual arts in the city’s former head Post Office, which the school bought in 2013 with a view to expanding its facilities.
On top of that there are cookery clubs, bushcraft skills, orienteering groups, ukulele ensembles, cross stitch and reptile societies.
“Young people can really have the opportunities to achieve their potential and be the best version of themselves that they possibly can be,” says Dr Michael Carslaw, headmaster at St Leonards.
“Independent schools really are places of learning and it’s about developing the whole person.
“I think independent schools do that really well – and are recognised as doing that really well.”
Every head will be able to make a strong case for buying into their school’s unique ethos and visiting a handful of schools either on an open day or for a bespoke taster visit will give prospective parents the peace of mind that their children will be both well educated and well looked after.
Visiting a shortlist of two or three schools is generally recommended, so that children get a feel for where they will feel most at home.
There are large schools such as the ESMS family in Edinburgh, and smaller schools like St Mary’s Melrose which, with just 160 pupils focuses on delivering a close-knit, homely feel.
Glenalmond prides itself on being a traditional full-boarding school, St Mary’s Melrose offers flexiboarding options in the Borders, and the High School of Dundee is one of the oldest independent day schools in the UK. The key word is “choice” and there is something to suit everyone.
“I wish everybody could choose an independent education,” says Andrew Hunter, headmaster at Merchiston in Edinburgh.
“I believe it is all encompassing, it develops the mind of each pupil and it develops each pupil as a human being, and as a personality. I believe that it is what children need.”
When pupils leave Scotland’s independent schools to go on to exciting new ventures, whether that be further education, an apprenticeship or a gap year
abroad, they do so with a confidence that prepares them for whatever life brings.
Global alumni networks keep school communities alive across the world with events and newsletters, mentoring schemes for current pupils and opportunities to connect with old friends wherever you end up.
“We regard ourselves as a small school and we want the children to feel that they are part of a wider family – and families stay together for life,” says Hawley.
“They are always part of the family and we love having them back at the school.”