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Pupil Numbers

Pupil numbers and demographic trends

At the start of each new academic year SCIS gathers statistical data from member schools to provide an overview of the independent education sector in Scotland.  The information is made available to member schools, the public and the press.  Facts and statistics about pupil numbers and demographic projections can be downloaded from the pdf documents, on the right.

Over 32,000 pupils in Scotland are educated in independent schools

With 75 member schools, SCIS represents 97% of the pupils in the independent schools sector in Scotland. 4.4% of the total pupil population in Scotland is educated in the independent sector, although there are wide regional variations, with concentrations in Edinburgh, Glasgow, main cities and the central belt of Scotland. In September 2007, there were 32,065 pupils in SCIS schools, of which 28,469 were day pupils and 3,596 were boarding pupils. Of the 32,065 total, 13,450 pupils were in primary schools and 18,615 were in senior schools.

The Scottish Executive Independent School Census (September 2006) states that,

"The number of pupils in independent schools has remained fairly stable over the past decade, compared to a decrease in the population.  There has therefore been a slow but steady increase in the percentage of school pupils who are in independent schools." 

This trend is in line with records collected by SCIS from its member schools. Between 1996 and 2006, pupil numbers in independent schools rose from 30,999 to 31,416.  By September 2007, there was further growth to 32,065, representing a 2% increase on the previous year.

In late February each year, when the Scottish Government publishes its Statistical Bulletin on Pupils in Scotland, SCIS produces a Fact Card (available to download on the right) showing the number of pupils in SCIS schools in each council area as a percentage of the total pupil population.

• Total pupil population in Scotland (September 2007) 724,280
• Total number of pupils in SCIS Schools (September 2007) 32,065
• Pupils in SCIS schools as a percentage of the total pupil population 4.4%