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

















Alternative destinations
Education information
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.
Studying in Scotland for international students
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.
Secondary schools in Scotland – advantages of studying for foreign students
- 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.
Secondary schools in Ireland fees
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.
Secondary education in Ireland – enrolment process for foreign students
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.
Top 5 best schools in Scotland 2022
1 | Fettes College |
2 | Glenalmond College Perth |
3 | Strathallan School |
4 | St. Leonards School |
5 | Dollar Academy |
Learning programs-summary information
Name | Meaning | Equivalent | Min. age | Duration, years |
Next stage | Cost |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
GCSE | General certificate of secondary education | secondary education (non-accomplished) | 14 | 1–2 | A-Levels | 15,000 USD+ |
A-Levels | Advanced level | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
BTEC | Business and Technology Education Board | secondary special education | 14 | 2–3 | University/ work | 15,000 USD+ |
Oxbridge Preparation | Preparing for Oxford and Cambridge | secondary education (accomplished) | 17 | 1 | University | 15,000 USD+ |
International Baccalaureate | International baccalaureate | secondary education (accomplished) | 16 | 2 | University | 18,000 USD+ |
Foundation/ Pathway Year | Preparatory year | admission to the 1st year of university | 17 | 1 | University | 14,000 USD+ |
NCUK | The Northern consortium | 2 year university | 17,5 | 1 | 2 year University of NCUK | 13,000 USD+ |
Special Preparation (Medics/Math/Business) | Specialized training | - | 14 | optional | optional | 4,000 USD+ |
Academic English | Academic English | Language school | 8 + | 6–12 months | School or University | 8,000 USD+ |
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
---|---|
The opportunity to enter the best universities in England, USA, Canada, Switzerland, Europe, the world | Expensive |
High quality of education and academic standards | Strong workload |
Perfect English after graduation | The need to change the social environment; it takes time to adapt |
Useful contacts | The difficulty of choosing the most suitable school for the child, requires a qualified specialist |
Top 21 boarding colleges in England 2022
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | National Mathematics and Science College |
3 | Abbey College Cambridge |
4 | d'Overbroeck's College |
5 | MPW London |
6 | CATS Cambridge |
7 | Kensington Park |
8 | DLD London |
9 | King's College St Michael’s |
10 | Bellerbys Cambridge |
11 | Chelsea Independent College |
12 | MPW Cambridge |
13 | Bellerbys Brighton |
14 | CATS London |
15 | St Clare's Oxford |
16 | Bishopstrow College |
17 | CATS Canterbury |
18 | Bellerbys London |
19 | Ealing Independent College |
20 | Cambridge Tutors College |
21 | Abbey Manchester |
Top 35 best schools in the USA - 2022 Smapse rankings
1 | North Broward Preparatory School |
2 | Phillips Academy Andover |
3 | The Storm King School New York |
4 | Red Bank Catholic High School |
5 | Windermere Preparatory School |
6 | Shattuck St Mary's School |
7 | Cheshire Academy |
8 | Cate School |
9 | Ross School |
10 | Deerfield Academy |
11 | The Village School |
12 | Amerigo Los Angeles – Bishop Montgomery High School |
13 | Webb Schools |
14 | Kent School USA |
15 | The Winchendon School |
16 | Darlington School |
17 | Marian Catholic High School Amerigo Education |
18 | Grier School |
19 | The MacDuffie School |
20 | CATS Academy Boston |
21 | The Cambridge School of Weston |
22 | Milton Academy |
23 | Amerigo Education Napa Valley |
24 | American Hebrew Academy |
25 | Northfield Mount Hermon School |
26 | Mater Dei Catholic High School San Diego Amerigo Education |
27 | American University Preparatory School Los Angeles |
28 | Webb Schools |
29 | Kent School USA |
30 | Groton School |
31 | Maine Central Institute |
32 | The Lawrenceville School |
33 | Grand River Academy Оhio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 14 best schools in Switzerland 2022
1 | College Du Leman |
2 | St. Georges School Montreux |
3 | Institut Monte Rosa |
4 | Lyceum Alpinum Zuoz |
5 | Saint-Charles Collège et Lycée |
6 | Leysin American School |
7 | Hochalpines Institut Ftan AG High Alpine |
8 | Aiglon College Switzerland |
9 | Institut Le Rosey School |
10 | Institut Montana Zugerberg |
11 | Champittet College |
12 | Brillantmont International School |
13 | Surval Montreux |
14 | Ecole Pre Fleuri |
Top 12 best schools in Canada 2022
1 | Brookes Shawnigan Lake |
2 | Rosseau Lake College |
3 | Albert College |
4 | Columbia International College |
5 | Ridley College |
6 | St Andrew's College |
7 | Brentwood College School |
8 | Pickering College |
9 | Bodwell High School |
10 | Trafalgar Castle School |
11 | Fulford Academy |
12 | Shawnigan Lake School |
Best boarding schools in England - 2022 Smapse rankings
1 | Cardiff Sixth Form College |
2 | Sevenoaks School |
3 | Queen Ethelburga's College |
4 | Brighton College |
5 | The National Mathematics and Science College NMSC |
6 | Concord College |
7 | Westbourne School |
8 | Wellington College |
9 | Rossall School |
10 | d'Overbroeck's College |
11 | Dulwich College |
12 | Fettes College |
13 | Stonar School |
14 | Wycliffe College |
15 | Lucton School |
16 | King's School Canterbury |
17 | ACS School Cobham |
18 | Hurtwood House |
19 | Uppingham School |
20 | Scarborough College |
21 | King's College St Michael’s |
22 | Mill Hill School |
23 | Windermere School |
24 | Clifton College |
25 | Badminton School |
26 | Oakham School |
27 | Oundle School |
28 | Stowe School |
29 | Cheltenham College |
30 | Bromsgrove School |
31 | Sidcot School |
32 | Prior Park College |
33 | Millfield School |
34 | Oswestry School |
35 | Caterham School |
36 | City of London Freemen’s School |
37 | Buckswood School |
38 | Brooke House College |
39 | Taunton School |
40 | St Clare's Oxford |
41 | Repton School |
42 | Royal Russell School |
43 | King's Ely |
44 | Leys Cambridge |
45 | Leighton Park |
46 | Bedford School |
47 | Fyling Hall |
48 | Royal Hospital School |