The Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) is a non-profit organisation representing more than 70 diverse independent schools in Scotland. Almost 30,000 students are currently benefiting from an excellent all-round education at a Scottish independent school. SCIS is dedicated to supporting our schools to deliver excellence in education and promote the valuable contribution they make to the economy and our communities.
Whether you're a parent looking for the finest educational opportunities for your child or an independent school seeking training or guidance on sector-leading best practices, SCIS is here to support you.
Supporting Member Schools
SCIS plays a crucial role in promoting and advocating for independent education in Scotland. We represent the sector at key government decision-making forums and ensure our members are aware of current and future guidance and legislation and the likely implications for them, and when appropriate, that they can influence policy and practice.
Remaining at the forefront of educational developments requires staff to be well-informed about current issues and alert to the opportunities presented by our constantly evolving landscape.
SCIS offers bespoke training programmes for the independent sector to help member schools remain at the forefront of educational and pastoral thinking. Our training includes important developments in child protection and safeguarding regulations. By sharing the latest government and sector information and facilitating training, we empower schools to navigate the ever-changing educational landscape effectively.
SCIS is committed to supporting the dedicated professionals working in our independent schools. We provide support for probationary teachers during their induction year and throughout their careers by offering an extensive Continuing Professional Development (CPD) programme. Additionally, we actively contribute to the recruitment of new teachers in the education profession through the SCIS website. In fact, some of our most popular social media posts revolve around the latest sought-after job vacancies.
Find out more about the benefits of becoming a SCIS member here.
Advocacy and Communication
SCIS represents the views and concerns of the independent sector on a wide range of issues. SCIS is widely respected across the education sector, and it uses its influence to negotiate and advocate on behalf of its members.
SCIS seeks to ensure that the unique perspectives of independent schools and the contribution they make to our economy and our communities is not only understood but is carefully considered when shaping educational policies and reforms.
SCIS works alongside local and central government to safeguard the interests of independent schools and promote partnership working for the benefit of all Scottish learners.
Impartial Information and Guidance for Parents and Guardians
Choosing the right educational path for their child is one of the most important decisions a parent will ever make. We understand parents need evidence and data to help them find the right school for their child.
We maintain an extensive database of all SCIS member schools which contains a wealth of information to help parents to make their decision.
In addition to our comprehensive database, we regularly publish informative and diverse blogs on SCIS’s website. Our blog covers a wide range of topics, including funding opportunities, examination advice, and showcasing the remarkable achievements of Scotland’s independent schools.
Through these blogs, we hope to equip parents with valuable information about the independent school sector. By delving into these topics, parents can gain deeper insights and make well-informed decisions about their child's educational journey.
If you need more information, we are always available to help. Feel free to get in touch with us!