Other types of school

Alongside state and independent schools, Scotland has a variety of other options open to parents.

Faith Schools

Faith schools are primary and secondary schools (they can be state or independent) where religion forms a part of the curriculum through education and practice, for instance during morning group worship.

Usually these schools will also allow non-religious pupils to attend.

Gaelic Language Schools

Education taught primarily in Gaelic is available in around 60 primary schools throughout Scotland.

Learning Gaelic as a secondary language is also available in many other schools.

Additional Support Needs

Special schools meet the needs of those who cannot attend mainstream schools because of learning difficulties or certain physical limitations.

Where possible, however, special needs pupils are integrated into mainstream schools.

Preparatory Schools

Preparatory Schools, also known as Prep Schools, are aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 13 and are designed to prepare them for the next stage in their education, a fee paying independent school.

These schools vary from what ages they allow boys and girls to be admitted and vary from single sex to co-educational.

View frequently asked questions about schools from the Scottish Government