Scotland follows a curriculum for excellence in nursery, primary and secondary schools. In the UK education system at different levels in each administrative area (England, Scotland and Wales) there are many similarities, but some differences.
State system of school education
In the UK education system at different levels in each administrative area (England, Scotland and Wales) there are many similarities, but some differences. In Great Britain, everyone between the ages of 5 and 16 is required to attend school. This age range includes two parts of the UK education system: primary and secondary school. Scotland follows a curriculum for excellence in nursery, primary and secondary schools.
Children in Scotland complete seven years of primary school, starting at P1 (equivalent to entry form in England) and ending at P7 (equivalent to Year 6 in England). The first and second years of secondary school (S1 and S2) are a continuation of the curriculum started in primary school. In S3 and S4, students study 6-9 subjects called Nationals. At the end of each school year, teachers in P1, P4, P7 and S3 will assess whether children have achieved a Distinction level for their reading, writing, speaking and listening levels in the relevant curriculum. In S4 and S5, students gain National 4 or National 5 qualifications (formerly known as Standard Grades).
Information for Ukrainians 2022
Information about Scottish schools for children and parents from Ukraine from SCILT - the language community in Scotland.
How to choose a school?
The public school is chosen according to the place of residence. You can find and compare schools in Scotland here:
List of documents
For foreign students, there is no single list of documents for schools, so you need to contact the school directly to receive a list of documents.
Features of private schools
The United Kingdom has a very large selection of private (fee) secondary schools as well as well-known independent schools. There is an opinion that fee-paying schools are much better. Among the reasons are that fee-paying schools are better funded, and therefore have smaller classes, better facilities, and a much fuller and wider range of extracurricular activities, many of which are simply not available in most (not all) public schools. There is also a much stronger sporting tradition, most of which have entrance exams and have the right to choose their students. Search for private schools in Scotland using the school finder site. You can find information about tuition fees, religious affiliation, and tuition assistance such as scholarships. https://www.isc.co.uk/schools/scotland/
Language of instruction, availability of integration classes
Along with English and Gaelic, Scots is one of Scotland's three "home" languages. Although all three languages are equally respected, English is the main language taught in most Scottish schools and Gaelic is the main language in Gaelic-medium education.
Visa, visa issues
If you do not have temporary protection for Ukrainians or refugee status, you can apply for a child student visa if you are between 4 and 17 years old and want to study at a UK school. Among the list of required documents:
confirmation that there is a place for you at the school;
confirmation of having sufficient money to live in the UK and pay for studies;
parental or guardian consent to study in the UK.
More details: https://cutt.ly/RZNa684
Important links