Best private schools in Scotland 2025
- Secondary education in private schools in Scotland for international students
- Benefits to study in Private Schools in Scotland
- English Programs at Top Private Schools in Scotland
- Private Schools in Scotland. Cost and fees for for international students
- How to apply to Private Schools in Scotland for international students
- Literature and references
This content was developed and approved with active participation of Henrietta Lightwood.
In the process of preparing the material, we referenced the following sources:
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_private_schools_in_Scotland
- https://www.schoolsearch.co.uk/independent-schools-in-scotland
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In 2018 68.48% of A Level students achieved A* - AScotlandEdinburghCurrently watching: 9from 8465.00 £ / term
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In 2019 more than 12% of A Level students achieved A*ScotlandPerthshireCurrently watching: 10from 12500.00 £ / term
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In 2017 - 43% of A Level students achieved A - A*.ScotlandPerthshireCurrently watching: 9from 8243.00 £ / term
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In 2018 - 97% of St Leonards entries achieved grades A*-CScotlandSt. AndrewsCurrently watching: 6from 31956.00 £ / year
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In 2018 Form IV produced a strong performance at National 5 level with 72.8% of A gradesScotlandEdinburghCurrently watching: 3from 9630.00 £ / term
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from 9050.00 £ / term
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In 2018 a full 38% of A Level students achieved A*/A gradesScotlandEdinburghCurrently watching: 6from 11960.00 £ / term
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from 12800.00 £ / term
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In 2018 - near 75% of students attained grades A*-CScotlandEdinburghCurrently watching: 2from 11900.00 £ / term
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from 4500.00 £ / 3 weeks
Nowadays, Scotland is considered to be one of the most popular country among foreign students wishing to get high-quality education abroad. SMAPSE offers 10 best private schools and colleges available for students from all over the world. In Scotland, it's usually said that educational system is very similar to English, only better. Modern Scottish private schools and colleges accepted best features of education in Great Britain and combined it with national, serious, thoughtful, in-depth approach to studying.
Actually, campuses at Scottish secondary private schools are like real student cities. Every student can find everything necessary: from sports grounds (football, tennis, golf, basketball, etc.) and libraries to shops and chapels. Many schools in Scotland are among the oldest in the world. Their architecture often impress by majesty, medieval charm and monumentality. At the same time, the interior, equipment and infrastructure fully correspond to modern technological requirements. Student dormitories have everything for comfortable rest and living.
According to the list of Scottish schools with high rankings, the most popular among foreign students are:
- Gordonstone School
- Fetters College
- Glenalmond College
- Dollar Academy
- Strathallan School
- St Leonards School
It's worth noting that graduates from Scottish schools and colleges easily enter prestigious universities. Certificates and diplomas of secondary education and preparation programs are highly valued by admission commissions. It significantly increases chances to enter world leading universities and build successful career in the future.
Please, don't hesitate to contact SMAPSE experts at any time as they are always ready to help you and answer all questions.
Alternative destinations
Secondary education in private schools in Scotland for international students
The Scots experience national pride in their education system. In the table below you can find out about the specifics of the education system in Scotland:
Education stage |
Student age |
The specifics of the education stage |
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5-12 years old |
Development of basic skills (writing, reading), classes in basic school subjects at a basic level in the format of games, etc. |
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Compulsory secondary education |
12 - 16 years old |
Studying the main school disciplines, at the end of the stage it is necessary to pass the final exam, according to the results of which a certificate of secondary education is awarded. |
|
"Sixth grade" - the highest level of secondary education |
16 - 18 years old |
This level is obligatory for students who subsequently plan to enter higher education institutions to receive higher education - at this stage, in-depth study of disciplines and preparation for entering university continue, and at the end a Higher Grade certificate is issued. |
|
Higher education |
18+ years |
Includes 4 years of undergraduate programs, as well as optional Master's and Doctoral programs. |
Scotland's Education Heritage A distinctive aspect of Scotland's educational landscape is its vast opportunities for personal growth and self-enhancement. Scotland proudly lays claim to the establishment of the first four universities on the island:
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University of St. Andrews
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University of Glasgow
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University of Aberdeen
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University of Edinburgh
Annually, Scotland welcomes thousands of students to its prestigious private schools and colleges. Remarkably, international students constitute up to 15% of Scotland's educational institutions, with this figure soaring to 45% in the most esteemed private schools and universities!
Besides professional teachers, what else do parents consider when choosing a school?
Child care level, variety of extracurricular activities, location, reputation and prestige. Often, parents like to consult with educational agents, with friends, if their children are already studying / studying in the UK. Each school has its own character, which is why I strongly advise you to visit the campus and talk to the staff: the director, the representative of the admissions committee, etc. This way you will personally get an idea of ​​what the school is like, what its values ​​and advantages are.
Benefits to study in Private Schools in Scotland
Four Benefits of Enrolling at Scotland's Best Private Schools for International Students Scotland's top private schools offer a wealth of advantages:
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Global Recognition: Education in Scotland aligns with the loftiest international standards, earning worldwide acclaim.
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Internationally Valued Diplomas: Qualifications from Scotland's private schools and colleges are recognized globally.
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Cost-Effective Education: Surprisingly, even the best private schools in Scotland have fees lower than many secondary schools in the UK.
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Cultural Immersion: Beyond quality education, Scotland's private institutions offer an enriching experience, allowing students to bond with peers globally and immerse in Scotland's deep-rooted culture and history.
English Programs at Top Private Schools in Scotland
Private schools in Scotland, particularly in the nation's capital, Edinburgh, are renowned for offering top-tier English courses to international students. These institutions, boasting state-of-the-art facilities, ensure students learn in a conducive environment, harnessing cutting-edge technology and indulging in extracurricular activities.
Apart from general English courses, these esteemed schools provide specialized courses in business English and courses tailored for international language exams or university admissions. The immersive linguistic and cultural setting ensures rapid English proficiency enhancements.
Moreover, many of these private schools curate summer camps blending intensive learning with a vibrant cultural and activity-driven program.
Private Schools in Scotland. Cost and fees for for international students
The table above provides a comprehensive list of the best private schools in Scotland, complete with rankings, descriptions, and tuition details. Expectedly, an academic year at the top private schools in Scotland will range between £25,000 to £35,000.
For a more detailed exploration of Scotland's private schools, or to schedule a free consultation with SMAPSE experts, kindly reach out through the contact details provided on this page.
How to apply to Private Schools in Scotland for international students
Scotland, known for its stunning landscapes and deep-rooted history, also boasts a line-up of prestigious private schools that attract students from around the globe. For international students looking to dive into the Scottish academic milieu, the application process can be a significant journey. Here's a brief guide on how to take those steps:
Research and Choose Your School: The first crucial step is researching the plethora of private schools in Scotland to identify the ones that best align with your aspirations and preferences. Each institution will have its unique ethos, academic programs, and extracurricular offerings. Ensure to scrutinize their curricula, faculty qualifications, school facilities, and overall reputation. Moreover, it's advisable to consider the school's location, boarding facilities (if necessary), and any particular areas of specialization or strength.
Understand the Application Prerequisites: Private schools in Scotland may have specific entry requirements that typically include past academic transcripts, recommendation letters, and sometimes, standardized test scores. For students whose first language isn’t English, proof of English proficiency, such as IELTS or TOEFL scores, might be necessary. Furthermore, many schools have their entrance examinations, so it’s essential to be prepared and possibly even get access to sample papers or preparatory materials if the school provides them.
Submission and Further Steps: Once you've gathered all necessary documentation, proceed to fill out the school's application form, ensuring that all details are accurate and that you adhere to any given deadlines. Post submission, some schools may invite candidates for an interview, which can be conducted in person, over the phone, or via video call for international students. This interview process is a two-way street: while the school assesses the suitability of the candidate, it's also an opportunity for the student to get a more in-depth understanding of the institution. Once an acceptance offer is extended, international students should swiftly move forward with visa and immigration processes, making sure they secure the right student visa category for their age and duration of study.
In essence, while the process of applying to private schools in Scotland can seem daunting, with meticulous planning and timely actions, international students can secure a place in these esteemed institutions and embark on an enriching academic journey.
General statistics on education in Scotland-ratings, specializations, universities
Advantages and disadvantages of English schools
Advantages | Disadvantages |
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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 35 best schools in the USA - 2025 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 Ohio |
34 | Saint John Paul II Academy |
35 | Chicago North Shore |
Top 5 best schools in Scotland 2025
1 | Fettes College |
2 | Glenalmond College Perth |
3 | Strathallan School |
4 | St. Leonards School |
5 | Dollar Academy |