17 best private schools in Scotland for international students. Description, rankings, 2023 fees
- Education information
- Secondary education in private schools in Scotland for international students
- 4 advantages of studying at the best private schools in Scotland for international students
- English courses at the best private schools in Scotland
- Tuition fees in Scotland: list, description, ranking
- General statistics on education in Scotland-ratings, specializations, universities

















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Education information
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.
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 |
|
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. |
||
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. |
It is worth emphasizing that the main specific feature of the Scottish educational system is a huge list of opportunities for self-realization and self-improvement. By the way, the first four universities on the island were founded precisely in Scotland:
- University of St. Andrews
- University of Glasgow
- University of Aberdeen
- University of Edinburgh
From year to year, thousands of students come to Scotland to study in the best private schools, colleges in Scotland. The number of foreign students in schools and colleges in the country is up to 15%, and the share of foreign students in the most prestigious private schools and universities reaches 45%!
Education in Scotland will allow students to easily achieve their goals both in the educational field and in terms of their future careers!
4 advantages of studying at the best private schools in Scotland for international students
The best private schools, colleges in Scotland provide a number of advantages:
- Education received in Scotland meets the highest international educational standards and is prestigious throughout the world.
- Diplomas of the best private schools and colleges in Scotland are internationally recognized.
- The cost of studying even in the best private schools in Scotland is lower than for secondary education in the UK.
- The best private schools in Scotland are a great opportunity not only to get a quality education, but also to have a great time with peers from around the world, to get a unique experience living abroad in a country with rich culture and history.
English courses at the best private schools in Scotland
Private schools in Scotland deserve special mention, organizing highly effective English language courses for international students from all over the world. The most popular educational institutions are located in the capital of Scotland - Edinburgh. However, language courses are available in other cities.
In most cases, private schools in Scotland have excellent facilities and modern infrastructure, which allows students to study in comfortable modern classrooms, use the latest achievements of science and technology, as well as freely engage in creativity or sports.
The best private schools in Scotland offer not only general English courses, but also business English courses, as well as specialized language courses aimed at preparing students for international language exams or for admission to universities in Scotland or the world. During studying, students are completely immersed in the linguistic and cultural environment, which allows to achieve the most effective results and in a short time to increase the level of English proficiency.
Many private schools organize summer camps based on the principle of a summer language school, but combining intensive studying with a rich cultural program and activities.
Tuition fees in Scotland: list, description, ranking
Above you can study the list of the best private schools, colleges in Scotland for foreign students. For each educational institution you can find a ranking, description and prices for studying. Secondary education in the best private schools in Scotland will cost from 25,000 to 35,000 GBP per academic year.
For more information about studying at the best private schools, colleges in Scotland, you can leave a request on this page or call us by phone. SMAPSE experts will contact you at any time convenient for you to provide a free consultation.
General statistics on education in Scotland-ratings, specializations, universities
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 |
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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 5 best schools in Scotland 2022
1 | Fettes College |
2 | Glenalmond College Perth |
3 | Strathallan School |
4 | St. Leonards School |
5 | Dollar Academy |
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 |