MANY people say that their school days were the best days of their life and for independent schools across Scotland, the aim is very much to ensure that learning is enjoyable, both in and outside of the classroom.

It is a time to learn, make friends, build confidence, try something new, and acquire the skills that will prepare a child for an inspiring journey through life.

For parents – farming folk among them – there are many reasons for sending their children to an independent school. The choice of school might be made due to its location, or perhaps it’s because a school has a particular reputation for STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics) subjects, state-of-the-art facilities and equipment, excellent sports facilities – for example golf and equestrian – or it is known for its creativity in areas such as music and drama.

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Another reason for choosing an independent school is the smaller class sizes, the benefits of which are well known. Some children, particularly those who may be quite shy and reserved, can flourish in this type of environment where fewer pupils in the class mean that a teacher gets to know a child well, identify their interests and work with them to develop their skills and grow their confidence.

Independent schools offer timetables that are designed to balance academic studies with co-curricular activity including sport and music – indeed, some schools have 50 or even more clubs and activities to choose from. By getting involved from an early age, children learn about teamwork and competition through the opportunities available.

Of course, all of Scotland’s independent schools provide excellence and innovation in education, and strive to instil a love of learning, confidence, curiosity, and values that will stay them throughout their life. They develop skills along with an ability to think creatively and problem solve.

For generations, the farming fraternity have sent their children to independent schools across Scotland to benefit from a first-rate education in surroundings that offer a vibrant and rich mix of experiences – both academic and extra-curricular – in a safe, secure environment where dedicated teachers have their wellbeing at the core of everything they do.

Many parents view their choice to send their children to an independent school as an investment in their future and will explore many options before deciding on the right school. It may be that they want their child to attend the same school that they did – although that is not always the case – but key to any choice the importance of nurturing pupils’ creativity, building resilience and equipping them with life skills.

Challenging pupils to developing themselves in all aspects of life, both inside and outside the classroom, is something all independent schools are committed to because every child deserves the best possible education and start in life.

According to the latest data (2023) from the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), here are 28,876 pupils in 71 independent schools – that’s 4.1% of pupils in Scotland – and there are 19 mainstream boarding schools with 2665 pupils, 39% of boarders coming from overseas.

The organisation’s Annual Census revealed that SCIS schools provide at least £55 million annually in fee assistance, with 23.9% of all pupils receiving some form of assistance and 3.1% of senior school pupils receiving 100% fee assistance.

It also highlights that Scotland’s independent school sector employs over 3697 teaching staff with one teacher for every eight pupils in SCIS schools.

Meanwhile, independent schools rightly pride themselves in the way they celebrate diversity and foster an environment where children from diverse backgrounds, cultures and countries can come together, feel comfortable and be themselves.

Access to the great outdoors is an aspect of independent education that appeals to both pupils and parents, with many schools believing that this is crucial to giving a child an overall experience. It can also help shape the individuals who will go on to become the leaders, role models and entrepreneurs of tomorrow, be that in business, sport, the arts, music, science and more.

Exam choices can also be tailored to best suit the individual child. SCIS schools offer a wide range of subjects with the added flexibility of being able to take a mix of qualifications from different examination boards, including Scottish Qualifications Authority exams, GCSEs, A-levels, and the International Baccalaureate.

Parents can choose from day schools with options to board. There are schools that cater for children throughout their education – from the age of two to 18 – and there are schools in towns and cities, and in stunning countryside locations where the scenery is an inspiration for both pupils and staff.

The best way for parents and their children to get a feel for a school and assess if it is the right environment for them, is to contact schools directly where staff will always be happy to discuss what they offer during an informal chat and tour. Look out for Open Days which are held throughout the year and where pupils are often involved in extolling the virtues of the institution.