Education in Scotland
From nurseries to secondary schools, Scotland offers a high standard of education. Scotland has an excellent academic record. Not only was it one of the first countries in the world to make education compulsory, but it has remained committed to pursuing excellence in this field ever since – at all levels from pre-school to higher education. A new 'Curriculum for Excellence' is being introduced in Scottish schools. It's designed to deliver relevant, inspiring, engaging education for every child and young person in Scotland. This new initiative started in primary schools in 2009 and is being introduced into secondary schools during 2010. Pre-school Even before children enter the school system proper, they can get an enjoyable and useful grounding in pre-school nurseries (or kindergarten). All local authorities provide free nursery schooling for those who want it. The classes, which are run by qualified nursery teachers with the help of trained nursery assistants, are either full or part-time. The fee-paying sector also provides nursery schooling, should you want to take advantage of it. As an alternative to nursery schools, some councils, churches and, occasionally, parents run playgroups – usually for fewer hours. The other option if you’re working and need to be away from home is childminders – qualified, officially registered babysitters. 4 – 11 year olds From the age of four or five, all children attend primary (elementary) school. The day normally runs from about 9am until 3.15pm and children learn basic skills such as reading, writing, arithmetic, science, history, geography and a foreign language. After seven years, at about 11, they move up to secondary school. 11 – 18 year olds At secondary (or high) school, children receive a broad education until their third year, after which they start to study towards national examinations. At the end of their fourth year, they take Standard Grade examinations, giving them internationally recognised qualifications in their chosen subjects. Although pupils can leave school at 16 if they wish, most go on to take Higher exams, covering a broad range of subjects. Children can take as many Highers as they like, though most settle for about five. The grades they achieve will be a critical factor in their options for college or university. Types of school Most of Scotland’s schools are non-denominational (specific to a religion), though parents can send their children to denominational (usually Roman Catholic) state schools, if they wish. You also have the option of sending your children to one of a range of internationally respected fee-paying schools. Most are day schools, but some offer boarding. As an alternative to Highers, some fee-paying schools offer A-levels – the pre-university exams normally taken in England – alongside the Scottish curriculum. All Scottish schools, state-run and fee-paying, are regularly inspected by the Scottish Education Department. Higher education Providing they get the necessary grades, children can go on to one of 46 further education colleges and 14 universities in Scotland, offering a vast range of courses. While many of the colleges specialise in subjects such as art and design, printing, building and catering, the universities range from some of the oldest and most highly regarded in Europe to modern, dynamic institutions offering groundbreaking courses. It takes three years to study for an Ordinary degree, four for an Honours qualification. Scottish universities also offer postgraduate study and many are involved in research projects of global significance. Students can apply for university or college through UCAS (Universities & Colleges Admission Services). Application forms are available from the UCAS website, the British Council or your local careers service. For adults interested in learning new skills, there are many further and higher education institutions, schools and local authorities which also run a range of vocational and non-vocational courses – usually for a nominal fee. English as a second language Don’t worry if your child can’t speak English. State schools provide teachers to help your youngster learn. They’ll need to have a good grasp of English though to go to university or college. Adult classes in learning English as a foreign language may be available. Ask your local authority or college for details. Investment in schools The Scottish Government has invested heavily in schools in recent years to maintain the country’s reputation for a high standard of education. It is currently delivering a multi-billion pound school building programme – the largest in Scotland’s history. The investment has provided funds to refurbish 200 schools with work covering everything from full-scale building re-development to the addition of extensions and improvements in classroom facilities. The investment has also led to the creation of a number of new schools. For example, the project saw the construction of Chatelherault Primary School near Glasgow – with the new £8.8m school replacing an older building which had stood on the site since the 1960s.
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