For Parents
Information, advice and guidance for Parents
In Scotland, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) is the foremost authority on independent, fee-paying schools, sometimes referred to as private schools.
97% are members of SCIS and all are well known to us, which means that we are well placed to give parents the best information, advice and guidance on offer. To remain impartial, we do not recommend one specific school over another, but help parents to narrow down their choice to perhaps two or three, based on what they tell us they are looking for in a school.
You can use the information on these website pages, download pdf files on various themes, request a copy of our comprehensive directory or telephone us on 0131 220 2106 to discuss your child's requirements.
Looking for a school in England, Wales or Ireland
Parents looking for an independent, private or fee-paying school in England, Wales or Ireland should contact our colleagues at the Independent Schools' Council (ISC), based in London. Links are included, on the right, to ISC's website and leaflet.
The ISC information and advice service (ISCias) is a free information service, established to give comprehensive and impartial advice on independent schools in England, Wales and Ireland. Staffed by a national information team and a network of Regional Advisors, the ISC information and advice service handles thousands of enquiries, ranging from general questions about the independent sector to detailed enquiries about the admissions process, fees planning and special educational needs. ISC's helpline, 0845 SCHOOLS (7246657), is manned from 9am to 5pm, five days a week. Staff have access to a complex information database and a mass of reference material. Staff also have links with charities, grant-giving trusts and other useful bodies. Where detailed local knowledge is needed, calls are transferred to Regional Advisors.