​Independent schools offer full-time and part-time education to nursery and school-age pupils.

There are around 100 independent schools in Scotland, providing education in primary, secondary and all-through schools to around 30,000 pupils. They may be co-educational or single-sex schools. They may be day schools or boarding schools, or a combination. Some independent schools provide specialist provision, for example residential special schools for children and young people with additional support needs. The responsibility for the operation of independent schools rests with individual proprietors. All are required to register with the Scottish Government’s Registrar of Independent Schools.

Related links

Choosing a school: Independent schools - Information for parents and carers

Summary - Registration of independent schools: guidance for applicants, proprietors, and parents

Inspection and Review of Independent Schools -  find out about arrangements for inspecting independent schools in Scotland and view the briefing note sent to headteachers.

Scottish Council of Independent Schools