How to Choose a Private School for Your Child
Choosing a private school for your child is a serious decision. It can influence your child’s friendship groups, academic achievements and interests for the rest of their lives. As a parent, the pressure to make the right decision can feel overwhelming.
In this article we will discuss tips for choosing a private school.
Academic Records and Support
Making the decision to send your child to a private school means that you will be financially investing in their learning. Therefore, you will want to ensure that they will receive a first-rate academic education, and hopefully perform well in exams so it’s a good idea to check the academic record of each private school you are considering.
You should also consider their personality, needs, interests and strengths too. How could the right school help your child? What does your child need to achieve? Academic results, sporting accolades, social development or even improved emotional well-being? Involve your child in the decision-making process and consider their opinion.
Other factors you might want to examine include strong pastoral care and the size of the school classes.
Sports and Extra-Curricular Activities
Extra-curricular activities are a great boost for children's confidence levels. They allow kids to interact socially with others; extend their friendship networks; and provide them with new skills and abilities.
Notably, extra-curricular clubs and after-school activities also offer an important space to have fun and relax away from the pressures of schoolwork.
Choosing the right private school for your child means selecting a school that offers extra-curricular activities that will excite and challenge your child.
Participation is key to getting the most out of The High School of Glasgow experience. We believe taking part and trying new things is unquestionably the best way for every pupil to develop their interests and discover their passions.
Whether taking to the field for school sport, discovering our creative arts offering or getting involved in exciting excursions, we encourage pupils to push beyond their comfort zones and be actively involved in activities away from the classroom.
Educational Experience
In choosing to send your child to a private school you are not only looking to enhance their academic results during their school years, but also their all-round learning experiences.
The High School of Glasgow is an ambitious and rewarding place of learning, an academic institution that prides itself on putting pupils' needs and interests at the very heart of our teaching strategy.
We have an unwavering commitment to placing the wellbeing of pupils and staff at the heart of our educational provision, ensuring a welcoming environment for children to learn in.
School Size
One notable difference between private and state schools are the size of the classes.
Private schools have smaller class sizes which means there is more teacher task time with pupils. This allows for more teacher support for learning, and easier classroom management and control.
Small class sizes are a significant indicator towards a child’s achievement when learning – pupils learn better in small groups.
Cost
Private school fees will normally encompass everything from tuition and textbooks, to transport for games and selected extra-curricular activities, as well as personal accident insurance for each pupil. However, it’s important to note, school uniforms aren’t included nor are some school trips, particularly those to locations abroad.
A bursary is a reduction in school fees usually granted by the school to parents who may have a difficult financial situation and can be anywhere between 5-100% of fees. Bursaries are means tested and awarded on merit, ensuring that children of talent and commitment can aspire to be the very best, regardless of their financial situation. Typically, bursaries are grants to help with the education of children who would not otherwise be able to attend a private school.
For more information on tuition fees - including financial aid - for The High School of Glasgow, please click here.
The High School of Glasgow – A Leading Private School
At The High School of Glasgow, pupils acquire educational excellence at our Junior School and Senior School, working within an ambitious, nurturing and highly productive environment.
Our teaching methods and curriculum are continuously evolving but our primary aim remains constant - to give pupils memorable experiences and help them to build firm foundations for their future lives.
We foster good habits in children from the very first day they walk through the doors of our Junior School, namely, that of perseverance, resilience, confidence, and compassion for others.
Every child in our care is treated as an individual. We know and understand every child, their strengths and weaknesses, passions, and goals.
If you’re currently in the process of choosing a private school for your child, then please contact our Admissions department for a prospectus, to arrange a tour or to simply answer any questions you might have.