The Scottish state school system can be quite different from the rest of the UK, especially if you’re new to the country. In this guide, we’ve outlined key information on the Scottish education system, admission requirements and procedures, curriculum choices, extra-curricular activities, support services for additional support needs (ASN), and exams and assessments administered throughout the school lifecycle.
Please note that the education systems of Scotland, England, Wales, and Northern Ireland differ from each other. This article focuses specifically on the Scottish system.
Types of Schools in Scotland: Primary, Secondary, and Beyond
In Scotland, there are two main types of schools: primary and secondary. Primary schools are for ages 4-12, and secondary schools are for ages 12-18. Both primary and secondary schools are funded by the local councils.
In Scottish secondary schools, students typically undertake National Qualifications, including National 4 and National 5 exams, which assess knowledge across various disciplines, such as maths and English language & literature. Most schools offer a range of courses at the Higher and Advanced Higher levels, covering subjects like maths, English language & literature, and core sciences, including biology, chemistry, and physics. As an alternative to Advanced Highers, some students may opt for the International Baccalaureate (IB).
FE colleges in Scotland provide post-compulsory education for students aged 16 and older, offering a wide array of courses beyond Highers and Advanced Highers. These may include vocational courses, such as Scottish Vocational Qualifications (SVQs), Higher National Certificates (HNCs), and Higher National Diplomas (HNDs), as well as basic skills courses, adult education courses, and apprenticeships.
These colleges are publicly funded and open to students of all abilities and backgrounds. They serve as a valuable alternative to attending a school sixth year (Advanced Highers) and can provide a more mature learning environment for students transitioning from secondary school to higher education or work.
One point to note is that primary and secondary school students are generally required to wear uniforms while at school.
Admission Process and Timelines: A Step-by-Step Guide
The admissions process for schools in Scotland is managed by the local councils. Each local council has its own admission policy and catchment areas, which are important factors to consider when applying to schools in Scotland.
For primary schools, you don’t decide which school your child is given a place at. It’s the local council’s choice. You can request a place at another school, but whether this request is granted depends on whether there are free places. Councils use ‘catchment areas’ to decide where your child is given a place at school. Most Scottish councils publish catchment area maps on their website.
You can find out where your child will be given a place at school by looking on your local council’s website.
Entry Year: In Scotland, the school year typically begins in August. Children are admitted to school in the year they turn five, provided they reach the school’s designated age for starting school (usually five by the end of February of the academic year).
Secondary School Transitions: When transitioning from primary to secondary school, students usually have a designated catchment area secondary school. However, you have the right to request a place in a local council school outside your catchment area.
For further education colleges, admission policies vary depending on the course and institution. Most colleges have an open admission policy, which means that anyone can apply, regardless of their academic ability or background. However, some courses may have specific entry requirements, such as a certain grade in a particular subject or a specific level of English proficiency.
Curriculum: What to Expect
The Scottish education system follows the Curriculum for Excellence, which aims to provide a broad, balanced, and flexible education for all children. The curriculum is divided into two phases:
Broad General Education (BGE): This phase lasts from when a child begins early learning and childcare through to the end of S3 in secondary school. BGE covers ages 3-15 and is divided into Early, First, Second, and Third/Fourth Levels. BGE covers a wide range of subjects, including literacy, numeracy, health and well-being, sciences, social studies, expressive arts, religious and moral education, and technologies.
Senior Phase: This phase takes place from S4 to S6 in schools and covers ages 16 to 18. The Senior Phase focuses on qualifications and preparing students for further education, training, or employment. Students typically work towards Scottish Highers and Advanced Highers, which are the main qualifications for university entrance in Scotland.
Extra-Curricular Activities: Clubs, Sports, and Enrichment Programmes
Extra-curricular activities available in Scottish schools vary depending on the individual school and local community groups. These activities aim to provide students with opportunities to explore new interests, develop social skills, and make friends. Some examples of extra-curricular activities include:
- Sports clubs and teams, such as football, rugby, netball, and athletics.
- Music, drama, and arts clubs, which can involve participation in school plays, concerts, or art exhibitions.
- Academic clubs, such as debating, chess, and coding clubs, which help students develop intellectual skills and interests.
- Community service and volunteering opportunities, allowing students to give back to their communities and develop a sense of responsibility.
- Outdoor and Adventure Activities: Schools may offer clubs or programmes for activities like hiking, mountaineering, camping, orienteering, kayaking, and outdoor education, fostering teamwork, leadership, and a love for the outdoors.
Please note that the availability of these activities may vary between schools and local communities. It is recommended to check with the specific school or local council to find out more about the extra-curricular activities offered in your area.
Extra-curricular activities generally run during lunch breaks and after school.
Support for Students with Additional Support Needs (ASN)
A student with additional support needs (ASN) may require extra help from teachers and other professionals within the school to meet their unique needs. In Scotland, ASN support is provided through a range of services, including individualised teaching programmes, specialist equipment, and collaboration with external agencies.
If you would like to find out more about the support your child can receive, you can get advice and information from Enquire, the Scottish advice service for additional support for learning.
Exams and Assessments: National Tests, Scottish Highers, and Advanced Highers
In Scotland, students are assessed regularly throughout their school years to monitor their progress and identify where additional support may be needed. Assessments take various forms, including formative assessments, summative assessments, and national standardised assessments.
Formative Assessments: These assessments take place throughout the learning process and provide ongoing feedback to both students and teachers. They help teachers identify areas of strength and weakness, allowing them to adjust their teaching strategies accordingly. Examples of formative assessments include quizzes, class discussions, and group work.
Summative Assessments: These assessments occur at the end of a unit, term, or school year and evaluate students’ overall understanding and mastery of the subject matter. Examples of summative assessments include final exams, end-of-unit tests, and projects.
National Standardised Assessments: The Scottish National Standardised Assessments (SNSA) are taken by students in Primary 1, Primary 4, Primary 7, and Secondary 3. These assessments focus on literacy and numeracy and help teachers understand how well students are progressing in relation to the national benchmarks.
At the end of the Broad General Education phase, students typically begin working towards national qualifications such as National 4, National 5, Scottish Highers, and Advanced Highers. These exams are usually taken between ages 15 and 18 and cover a range of subjects. The exams are graded from A to D, with A being the highest grade.
Choosing the Right School: Factors to Consider
Choosing the right school for your child can be a daunting task, especially if your family is relocating to the United Kingdom from another country.
Here are some factors parents should consider when choosing a school:
- What are your child’s interests and talents? Does he or she want to study music, athletics, or art? Some schools specialise in certain subjects and may offer more specialised classes.
- What is the school’s reputation for academic achievement and pastoral care?
- How does the school support students with additional support needs?
- What extra-curricular activities are available at the school?
- Is the school within your catchment area, or do you need to apply for a placing request?
By considering these factors, you can make an informed decision about the best school for your child in the Scottish state education system.
League tables can be a helpful starting point when looking for schools in Scotland. They rank each school based on its performance in national qualifications such as National 4, National 5, Scottish Highers, and Advanced Highers, as well as the number of students who go on to attend a university or college, and other factors that are important to families.
Education Scotland’s inspection reports are another useful tool. These reports are conducted by Education Scotland, the national body responsible for supporting quality and improvement in learning and teaching. They evaluate the school’s performance in various areas, such as learning, teaching, assessment, and the overall effectiveness of the school. These reports can provide valuable insights into the quality of education provided by a particular school.
If you’re considering a move to the UK, it’s important to do your research on the school system. We hope this guide has provided some useful information and insight into what families can expect when relocating here.
If you need any further assistance with schools in the UK, or would like us to help you find a suitable school, please speak to one of our experts or send a message today.
