Independent schools (sometimes called Private or Fee-paying schools) are privately owned and self-financing. They are not part of the state funded system and therefore do not receive financial support from the government.
Fees and financial help
In most cases a fee is charged to cover costs, most schools have scholarships and bursaries available. Parents should ask for details from the school they are interested in.
Registration and inspection
All independent schools need to be registered with Scottish Ministers through the Registrar of Independent Schools. The Registrar ensures that independent schools take due care over the health, welfare and education of children. In addition, all independent schools are inspected by HM Inspectorate of Education. HMIE publish inspection reports giving information about the education in a school.
Independent schools that have boarding facilities will also be inspected by the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care on a twice yearly basis.
Register of schools
The Registrar has responsibility for keeping the Register of Independent Schools and to ensure it is open to the public.
Find out more
The Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) represents almost all Scotland’s independent schools. To help parents they:
- publish a directory to provide information on choosing an independent school
- have a detailed list of schools available on their website
- can provide general advice to parents about choosing an independent school.
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