7 best private schools in Edinburgh for foreign students. Description, rankings, 2023 fees
- Education information
- Specifics of studying in the best private schools in Edinburgh
- English private schools in Edinburg – studying after 9, 10, 11 grades
- Private schools in Edinburg fees for foreign students
- Enrolment requirements in TOP private schools in Edinburg
- Accommodation types in private schools in Edinburg
- Top 3 best private schools in Edinburgh 2023



















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Education information
Edinburgh is one of the largest university centres in the United Kingdom, known for its excellent scientific research and rich worldview. Deciding on the studying in Edinburg, the foreign students pay less for education compared to schools in England, however, the quality of education is not inferior at all. The organization of studying is at the highest level, and staying here will please any student — the reviews of graduates speak for themselves.
The most popular British educational system originates in Scotland, because it was here that the first universities were opened. The educational system is very flexible, and international diplomas and certificates obtained in Edinburgh are accepted by educational institutions around the world.
The city combines a wide range of festivals dedicated to its culture with fascinating architecture, a long history of scientific research and narratives. Study abroad in Edinburgh and immerse yourself in the cheerful Scottish atmosphere that fills this magnificent city.
Specifics of studying in the best private schools in Edinburgh
Edinburgh has long been known as an educational centre, especially in the fields of medicine, law, natural sciences and engineering. Edinburgh Universities offer the widest range of subjects in the UK, covering more than 100 academic disciplines. These include: business and management, accounting and finance, international law, medicine and dentistry, mass media and communications, mathematics and computer science, textiles and design, languages and art, and much more.
Edinburgh courses range from undergraduate and combined undergraduate courses (which give you the opportunity to combine the academic modules you are interested in) to graduate and postgraduate courses (MPhil, PhD, EngD, etc.).
The studying programs also include: short-term courses, certificates, summer schools, online and correspondence programs and advanced educational courses for specialists in the industrial, commercial and public sectors.
Children start school from the age of 7: at the initial stage of education, teachers pay special attention to development and upbringing, increase the readiness of children to learn. Compulsory academic subjects are included in the curriculum of primary classes, optional classes are additionally offered for students to choose from in secondary classes, and the whole process can be combined with teaching a child a language. At the end of the school course, graduates receive a diploma of secondary education — The General Certificate of Secondary Education or Scottish Higher.
English private schools in Edinburg – studying after 9, 10, 11 grades
After grades 9 and 10, the international students often prefer to continue their studies at the A-Level course — this is a prestigious foreign program that opens doors to top universities of the world. Students choose most subjects based on their personal preferences and interests, so such teaching methods allow them to carefully prepare for admission to the chosen specialty of the university. The cost of A-Level program for the foreign students will be from £ 6,100 per trimester.
The leading programs for graduates of 11 grade are as follows:
- International Foundation
- International Year One.
Pre-university courses in the learning process help to acquire the necessary academic and linguistic skills. For the foreign students, the completion of preparatory courses is often of a recommendatory nature, but the students are required to complete the program after graduating from a school of native country to enroll in the best universities in Scotland. The average duration of preparatory courses is a year, but after completing the International Year One program, a student can be enrolled immediately in the second year of the university. Tuition fees star from 5085£/trimester.
Private schools in Edinburg fees for foreign students
The cost of studying in schools in Edinburg varies depending on the ranking of the institution, the results of graduate exams, prestige, and history. The average cost of education in England: at school and college £14,000-£25,000 per year (full—time - without accommodation), in a boarding house – £30 000 – 50 000 per year in the most expensive, this is the price of the most prestigious private schools in Scotland.
Enrolment requirements in TOP private schools in Edinburg
The list of documents varies slightly between schools due to small differences in the work of admissions committees of educational institutions in Edinburg. But the database of documents — what is required to be collected without fail for admission to all private schools in Edinburg, remains unchanged:
- School annual report cards (grades for the academic year) for the last 2-3 years of study;
- Copy of passport;
- Letters of recommendation from teachers of mathematics, English, director, written in free form with translation into English;
- International language certificate
- Some private schools in Edinburg may require to pass a single Ukiset test - before submitting documents to the school for consideration by the admissions committee;
- School registration forms
- Interview via Skype with applicant.
Accommodation types in private schools in Edinburg
Private schools in Edinburg mainly accept students on boarding conditions: children are offered rooms in a dormitory (residence), elementary school students live in rooms for 4 to 10 people.
It also provides accommodation in "dormitories", which are spacious, partitioned rooms. In the dormitories, each resident has his own corner with a bed, a desk, a small wardrobe for storing personal belongings, shoes, clothes. High school students are accommodated in double and single rooms.
Meals for children of all ages are provided hot three times a day. The menu, as a rule, offers meat, vegetarian, fish, several dishes are served at each meal.
Top 3 best private schools in Edinburgh 2023
1 | Fettes College Private School |
2 | Merchiston Castle School |
3 | Loretto School (Loretto School) - school with golf |