EDUCATION
25
Applying for a place
AT AN INDEPENDENT SCHOOL IN EDINBURGH AND THE LOTHIANS
T
he independent school choice in Edinburgh is unique in both its breadth and scale, educating 14% of Edinburgh primary and secondary school aged pupils. Schools vary widely in size, age range, style and atmosphere. Most have parents from a broad spectrum of backgrounds, with some parents making large financial sacrifices to pay the fees and others receiving financial assistance.
Independent schools have a long tradition of achievement,
regularly recording glittering results both academically and in sport, music, drama and technology. So it is often thought that they teach only highly academic children. However, most cater for children of more average ability and some specialise in helping children in need of extra individual attention. They are aiming to fulfil the potential of each individual pupil.
Selecting a school is far from straightforward. For instance, choosing a school is about more than exam results; good manners, courtesy and mutual respect are also valued highly by parents. The culture and atmosphere of a school is often as important as the statistics. Here we discuss the factors to consider when choosing the school which will meet you and your child’s needs. Then use our comprehensive listing to see which schools might meet your criteria.
COST There is no doubt that school fees are a significant commitment for families. Fees are usually quoted as an annual sum and in termly amounts (usually three terms a
ESMS SIXTH FORM
year) but most schools also offer parents the chance to pay by monthly by direct debit. Check whether the fee is “all inclusive” or whether a separate charge applies for items such as lunches and books, and what other “extras” you can expect. All schools will charge separately for optional activities such as individual music lessons and trips abroad. To widen access to independent education, schools now offer means tested financial assisted places in the form of bursaries rather than financial scholarships on academic merit.
TYPE OF SCHOOL
Important to all independent schools is the development of each individual child’s potential. See the centre pages for a ‘Pull Out - Schools Checklist’ to help you establish which school can match yours and your childs' aspirations. Also page 33 for the ‘School Profiles’ pages where schools describe their ethos and character.
Other factors that will influence your choice of school include:
Co-education or single-sex? You may feel that your child will do better in a school geared towards same-sex education or a senior school without the opposite sex to attract or distract your child. Or you may feel that, as life is co-educational, a school that prepares your child for this would be more appropriate. Most independent schools are now co-educational, but there are still some single-sex schools to consider.
www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk
Page 1 |
Page 2 |
Page 3 |
Page 4 |
Page 5 |
Page 6 |
Page 7 |
Page 8 |
Page 9 |
Page 10 |
Page 11 |
Page 12 |
Page 13 |
Page 14 |
Page 15 |
Page 16 |
Page 17 |
Page 18 |
Page 19 |
Page 20 |
Page 21 |
Page 22 |
Page 23 |
Page 24 |
Page 25 |
Page 26 |
Page 27 |
Page 28 |
Page 29 |
Page 30 |
Page 31 |
Page 32 |
Page 33 |
Page 34 |
Page 35 |
Page 36 |
Page 37 |
Page 38 |
Page 39 |
Page 40 |
Page 41 |
Page 42 |
Page 43 |
Page 44 |
Page 45 |
Page 46 |
Page 47 |
Page 48 |
Page 49 |
Page 50 |
Page 51 |
Page 52 |
Page 53 |
Page 54 |
Page 55 |
Page 56 |
Page 57 |
Page 58 |
Page 59 |
Page 60 |
Page 61 |
Page 62 |
Page 63 |
Page 64 |
Page 65 |
Page 66 |
Page 67 |
Page 68 |
Page 69 |
Page 70 |
Page 71 |
Page 72 |
Page 73 |
Page 74 |
Page 75 |
Page 76 |
Page 77 |
Page 78 |
Page 79 |
Page 80
