Independent Schools: Understanding What They Are, Their Benefits, and Key Features
Across Scotland, there are many different ways to refer to an Independent or Private School. The terminology can vary from place to place so we have compiled the following article to detail the definition of Independent Schools, their key features, benefits, and how certain aspects are different to other educational institutions.
What are Independent Schools?
Independent Schools, more commonly referred to as Private Schools, are educational institutions that act separately from government control. They’re funded through tuition fees by their pupils which provides the school with the freedom to build their own educational programmes.
Being privately funded, Independent Schools do not have to follow the National Curriculum. They have the freedom to differentiate from other schools by implementing their own, unique approach to learning.
Key Features and Benefits of Independent Schools
There is a myriad of benefits to choosing an Independent School for your child to attend.
We’ve detailed a few below:
Class Size and Pupil-Teacher Ratio
One clear benefit of an Independent School is the lower pupil-to-teacher ratio. Fewer pupils in a class mean that teachers can spend more time with each individual child. Pupils therefore receive a higher level of support on a more personal level during their studies.
Extensive Sporting Facilities
Independent Schools will offer its pupils a strong range of sporting activities. This can include sports such as football, rugby, and hockey.
Independent Schools can provide additional sporting opportunities to its pupils, such as athletics, tennis, golf and cricket. With these extra activities, pupils attending can experiment and discover which sports they enjoy and excel in.
High Standard of Behaviour and Discipline
Independent Schools pride themselves on their discipline, respect, and adherence to rules. This high standard of behaviour stems from the aforementioned teacher-to-pupil ratio, providing a sense of community that’s instilled into the pupils and a sense of pride in being a part of this community.
By focusing on promoting good, respectful behaviour, Independent School pupils can take these qualities into their life throughout further education and work.
In stating this as a feature of Independent Schools, we are not suggesting other types of schools don’t also share a high standard of behaviour or discipline. However, in general, this is a feature Independent Schools are known for.
How Independent Schools Differ from Other Educational Institutions
State Schools
The main difference between Independent and State Schools in Scotland is the funding system. Private Schools receive their funding through tuition fees, while State Schools are funded by the Government. They must follow the government led National Curriculum.
State Schools are also, for the most part, non-selective in their acceptance of pupils. Independent Schools can be stringent in their selection process with the ability to reject applications much more freely.
Faith Schools
As of 2022, there are 371 Faith Schools in Scotland, with 97% of those being Roman Catholic. These schools have more in common with State Schools, as they are both funded by the Government. However, they do have more flexibility in how they teach their religious studies.
Gaelic Medium Schools
Gaelic Medium Schools (GME) are where lessons are taught primarily in Scottish-Gaelic, with English used as a secondary language. The aim is for pupils to become fluent in the language, while they complete their studies. With only 60 GME Schools across 14 local Scottish authorities, they are rather uncommon.
Similar to both State and Faith schools, GME Schools are funded by the government and must follow the National Curriculum.
Conclusion
Independent Schools offer a unique experience for children, characterised by strong community engagement, improved opportunities, and an inspiring learning environment.
By choosing an Independent School such as The High School of Glasgow, parents can find a school that meets their expectations, aligns with their values, and provides the necessary tools to unlock their children's full potential.
If you’re interested, you can learn more about our admissions process by clicking here.