Independent Schools: Financial support is at hand

The Scottish independent schools sector is dedicated to ensuring it is as inclusive as possible, and that anyone can attend one of its 71 schools regardless of their household income.

Image: St George's School

The sector provides at least £54.3 million in fee assistance annually, according to the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), with 3.1 per cent of pupils receiving up to 100 per cent fee support.

Carol Chandler-Thompson, head at the all-girls’ St George’s School in Edinburgh, says: “I think that sometimes the perception is that if someone can send their child to a private school it means they must be in the top 2 per cent income bracket, and that is not the reality.

“We have families where maybe grandparents are paying fees and real sacrifices are being made, but that’s because they want the best start for their children.

“We have a fantastic range of opportunities here that are maybe harder to offer in another school, such as smaller class sizes, a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities, and international exchanges.

“There is a chance for every girl to find her niche.”

The school offers up to 100 per cent means-tested bursaries which can be applied for through St George’s in complete confidence.

This form of support is commonplace in schools throughout the sector, including at The Compass School, East Lothian’s only independent primary school and nursery.

Its headmaster, Mark Becher, emphasises that many of the school’s parents did not have an independent education themselves, saying: “An independent education costs, but at the end of the day that cost reflects what it does.

“Assistance will be means-tested against income, and always dealt with in confidence, so parents can discuss what type of assistance can be provided if they are on a low income. There will be bursary funding available and we have a range of discounts depending on parental income and needs.”

He goes on to point out that added extras at his school may include lunches, uniforms and trips, but makes it clear that there is usually some sort of support and a way in which the costs are kept to a minimum.

As well as offering bursaries, some places of learning run scholarship awards to reward outstanding talent in a subject, regardless of a pupil’s background.

At Fairview International School at Bridge of Allan, Stirlingshire, scholarships covering up to 100 per cent tuition fees are based on academic passion, excellence in performing arts, and sporting performance.

Headteacher David Hicks says the school has also frozen tuition fees for two years for current families, and that flexible payment options are available.

“Our families have made a commitment to us and we do understand that it is sometimes difficult to maintain – particularly in the current climate – so it’s important to us that they feel supported through this time and we hope we are able to do this by maintaining their fees at the current level,” he says.

For those with younger children, St Mary’s School at Melrose in the Borders, is a member of the Independent Associated of Preparatory Schools, which has various forms of support available.

“In cases of need, they have supported pupils in the sector and we certainly have had pupils who have benefited from their support,” says Liam Harvey, headmaster of St Mary’s School .

“I always recommend that prospective parents look at the SCIS website as well, to understand a bit more about the sector.

“It is important that all parents look at other schools too, so that when they are sending their son or daughter to St Mary’s they are doing so because it is the best choice, not because it is the only choice.”

For those seeking a specialist subject option, St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh is Scotland’s only government-supported music school. Headteacher Dr Kenneth Taylor says that some families pay no fees at all: “I would say don’t worry about the fees, they are designed to be affordable.

“The specialist education you are getting here is worth paying for because it is quite different and it is all-inclusive, in that you are not paying for [music] lessons. Plus, there are all sorts of added extras included, such as concert visits and masterclasses.”

In addition to the means-tested support and scholarships, some schools run their own aid funds from donations.

George Watson’s College in Edinburgh has a Foundation Places programme to fund between75 per cent and 100 per cent of fees for those whose household income is below £30,000.

The school also has a wider access manager, Ciara Weatherup, who is dedicated to helping families who have little to no experience of independent schooling.

She says: “Over the last year, we have adapted our admissions process to ensure that we are more transparent about the financial side of attending the school. We provide explicit information about the additional costs families may incur and how to access financial assistance for additional school costs, including uniform, curricular trips, transport and lunches.

“We speak regularly with our families to ensure that costs are not a barrier to participation.”

Watson’s principal, Melvn Roffe, adds: “It is very heartening to see that an increased number of parents are coming to us to provide a really first-class education for their children and I think that reflects the fact that there is value as well as cost, which is something we are very confident in.”