Primary, secondary education in Scotland for international studens. List of 16 top institutions, 2023 fees, rankings

Students begin primary education in 5 years old, it takes 7 years. At the age of 12 years, students start secondary education.

At the age of 15 students pass exams and receive the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE Standard Grade) - this document corresponds to the English one known as GCSE. Then, students continue education in colleges or schools (to get Higher Grade, a higher certificate of complete secondary education). Higher Grade is issued to students who have additionally completed a course of study from 16 to 18 years old and have successfully passed 5-6 subject examinations.

In addition, students can study for one additional year and get the Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (SCSYS) - also instead of it, there is Advanced Higher certificate. This is an analogue of prestigious A-level programme. In some schools it is possible to take exams and get English A-level - the choice remains only at the discretion of the student, both certificates are prestigious and highly listed on admission to universities.

In total, there are 43 colleges in Scotland that provide special or post-secondary education services. This is an opportunity to get the chosen qualification (academic or professional) - from the elementary level to the equivalent of a diploma of higher education. The list of specialties, subjects and directions is quite extensive:

• media
• basics of business
• design
• internal and external design
• information technology
• finance
• health
• electronics
• tourism
• sports.

The year of full-time study entitles you to a Higher National Certificate, and two Year of full-time education - Higher Education Diploma.

If the student does not plan to enter college, he can continue studying Foundation programme or prefer SIFP: this is a single preparatory programme that meets highest international standards. When students complete one of these programs, they have really high chances to enter prestigious Scottish high schools.

Bachelor's degree studies (undergraduate) usually last 4 years: the first two involve studying a large number of basic specialties, and the next two are devoted to studying the specialty and the chosen profile and direction.

A distinctive feature of Scottish high schools is flexible combined curriculum: students can choose several subjects, even if they are taught in different faculties, and attend classes of their own choice. Such combination of courses makes it possible to obtain a useful double degree (joint degree) - for example, a diploma in economics and accounting. Also, the famous "sandwich courses" are very attractive for foreign students: they provide an opportunity, in addition to academic preparation, to get valuable practical experience and internships in companies based on the chosen profile.

• First of all, these are much more affordable prices than in the UK, Canada, Switzerland, etc. while maintaining the high quality of educational services;
• Gradually, in the learning process, specialization is introduced, that is, subjects that students choose based on their future plans;
• Comfortable living conditions, high degree of safety of foreign students;
• A wide range of disciplines to study, as well as educational programs aimed at comprehensive development.

The price of education in the best private schools and colleges in Ireland is on average lower than in the UK, Switzerland, the USA and other academically popular countries. At the same time, a high degree of learning efficiency is maintained. The average price level for one year in the best schools in Ireland for foreign students ranges from 10,000 EUR to 15,000 EUR. If we consider Dublin, then you can find a private boarding school costing from 9,000 EUR to 14,000 EUR, while the price already includes an educational program, uniforms, textbooks and accommodation with meals. It is worth noting that similar conditions in boarding houses in the UK or Switzerland cost from 15,000 EUR.

For successful enrollment in Irish schools, colleges in Ireland for foreign students, it is necessary to collect and provide the following list of documents:

• A copy of a foreign passport;
• Extract with grades for the last two years of study (at the same time, as a rule, excellent grades should be at least 40% of all grades – the best private schools and colleges may impose stricter requirements);
• A certificate certifying a sufficient level of proficiency in a foreign language (English) – preferably not lower than average;
• Letters of recommendation from teachers of English and mathematics, sometimes letters from the headmaster may be required;
• A student's motivation letter with the reasons why the child wants to receive secondary education at this particular school;

This list is far from exhaustive, since various private schools and colleges in Ireland may request additional documents. In order to enroll in a private Irish boarding school, you will need not only a standard list of documents, but also certain language and academic knowledge. In some cases, private schools in Ireland will require passing an entrance test in mathematics or English – you should find out more on the page of a particular private school or from our specialists.

This list is far from exhaustive, since various private schools and colleges in Ireland may request additional documents. In order to enroll in a private Irish boarding school, you will need not only a standard list of documents, but also certain language and academic knowledge. In some cases, private schools in Ireland will require passing an entrance test in mathematics or English.

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