Scotland, part of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland, is in stark contrast to its neighbors. She managed to achieve significant autonomy from England, thanks to which the local flavor that attracts tourists has been largely preserved here. Tourists who first come to this country will be impressed not only by local cities and parks, but also by ancient castles. Some of them have been reconstructed and look about the same as hundreds of years ago. History buffs will not be able to pass by other historical sites located in cities like Aberdeen with its thousand-year history.

Scotland is no less attractive in terms of education. Parents send their children here to study in elementary, middle and high schools, as well as for higher education.

Most Scottish schools are public, with only a small percentage of students enrolled in private schools. All schools in Scotland are subject to compulsory registration with the Department of Education and Industry. The quality of education and conditions are regularly checked by the inspectors of the department.

Private schools in Scotland are of greater interest to foreign children, especially those that operate on the boarding principle and provide their students with housing. Another important advantage of these schools is more varied programs and better equipment. Children from other countries feel comfortable and safe here, which helps them quickly adapt to the new environment and avoid the stress of moving to another country. Therefore, parents who want their child to receive a quality education will make the right choice if they send him to one of the schools in Scotland.

Education in Scotland

The country's course, aimed at its autonomy from England, did not affect the desire to master the best that is in the civilized world. Education in Scotland, which this country is justly proud of, was no exception. The Scots do not consider their education system to be inferior to the British one, which is a benchmark for many, and strive to stand out against its background. The main features of the Scottish education system are shown in the table:

Stage of education

Age of pupils

Features of training

Primary education

5 to 12 years old

In elementary school, students develop basic skills such as writing, reading, arithmetic.

Secondary education

Compulsory secondary education

12-16 years old

In secondary school, the course of the subjects studied is expanding. Upon graduation, students take exams and receive a certificate of secondary education.

Upper secondary education

16 to 18 years old

Pupils who plan to get higher education continue their studies in higher secondary school to obtain the HigherGrade certificate.

Higher education

To obtain a basic higher education, that is, a bachelor's degree, students study for four years. After that, you can continue to study at the magistracy and doctorate.

A key feature of Scottish education is the wide range of knowledge and skills acquired. The great experience of Scotland's universities is evidenced by the fact that four of the first six universities were opened in Scotland (University of St Andrews, University of Glasgow, University of Aberdeen and University of Edinburgh). Every year students from different countries come here for versatile knowledge that opens up a lot of new horizons. On average, the number of international students at Scottish universities is 10-15% of the total, and in some it reaches 45%.

Having received an education in Scotland, you will certainly achieve your goals and discover a lot of opportunities and prospects in your future career.

Study in Scotland

Education in Scotland is represented by several directions:

Primary and secondary schools

Higher education

Language schools

Summer language camps for children

Education in Scotland has many advantages, which explains its popularity. Here are the main ones:

✔ As mentioned earlier, Scottish education meets the highest standards and is renowned worldwide for its quality.

✔ Local university degrees are recognized in all countries of the world.

✔ Many Scottish universities, including the University of Edinburgh, are among the top UK universities. Such specialties as oil and gas industry, engineering, IT and applied sciences are especially developed here.

✔ The cost of education in Scottish schools, as well as the cost of living in the country, is slightly lower than in the UK.

✔ Studying in Scotland is an opportunity not only to get an education, but also to spend an unforgettable time in a beautiful country known for its rich cultural life, picturesque landscapes, vibrant festivals and ancient history.

✔ In addition to quality education in Scotland's schools, you can get powerful language practice and significantly improve your knowledge of the English language.

The long history of existence, worldwide recognition and positive student reviews are the best evidence of the quality of Scottish education. Having entered a local school or university, you will certainly be satisfied with your choice and will be able to realize all your goals.

Scottish schools

We should also mention the private Scottish schools that conduct English courses for international students. Edinburgh schools are the most popular, but students can study English not only in the capital, but also in other equally interesting cities. All schools are well equipped and have excellent academic resources - comfortable classrooms, modern technological equipment, and computers with Internet access. Some schools also have facilities for sports, arts and entertainment.

Edinburgh English Schools offer courses for students of all ages and nationalities. You can take a general or business English course, a course of preparation for passing exams or admission to an English-speaking university. In language schools, instruction is carried out with full immersion in the language environment. This practice is considered the most effective and allows you to overcome the language barrier in the shortest possible time and achieve your goals.

If you want your child to improve their English skills, any of the many Scottish schools for children is at your service. They are organized according to the principle of summer camps - here children can not only improve their knowledge of English, but also spend an exciting vacation. Many schools offer sports, arts, or other academic subjects in addition to traditional lessons. An integral part of studying in language schools is acquaintance with the culture and sights of Edinburgh, as well as an exciting entertainment program.

Language school staff also take care of the accommodation of their students and offer different housing options. This can be a host family, residence, apartment or hotel. Homestay provides a better understanding of the Scottish lifestyle and culture, while residences and apartments are preferred by more independent students.

An English course at a language school in Scotland will be a great gift for your child. Here children make new friends, learn independence and spend simply unforgettable time, which they will remember for many years to come.

Those who wish to be fluent in English and study abroad often prefer Scotland. The main advantage is the level of teaching. Native speakers work here, which means that you will learn the correct pronunciation. The cost of studying in Scotland is the lowest, but the result will not be long in coming.

Secondary education

Also, Scotland is chosen for education - secondary and higher. The education system in Scotland involves a seven-year elementary school course and six years of secondary school. After that, you can submit documents to the university, having received a certificate Highers.

Education of children in Scotland for Russians is carried out in private schools. A quality education is given, an individual approach is practiced. In the senior grades, students are already determined with further specialization. The knowledge will be more than enough to enter one of the best British universities.

Naturally, teaching in English is practiced in Scotland. And if the students have an insufficient level of English, they can simultaneously study at a language school. There are also specialized Russian schools. As a rule, children study in the evenings or on weekends.

Language programs for children

Teaching children English in Scotland is carried out in special language schools. You can also go there for a summer camp. This is the most convenient way in which you will not have to be distracted from your studies. It is interesting to study, there are excursions for children, there will be a lot of entertainment.

Courses for adults

Education in Scotland for adults involves a considerable number of educational programs. You can learn for beginners ( Beginners ). Teachers will help you learn the basics from scratch. There are also intensive programs, business English. Russian teachers of English can also study in Scotland: for the purpose of improving their qualifications.

From everyone who studied in Scotland, the feedback is only positive. The result is visible in practice: pronunciation is significantly improved, vocabulary expands, and it becomes easier to speak.

Higher education

Scotland is chosen for higher education. There are universities there that are in the top of the best universities in the world. For example, the University of Glasgow, the University of Edinburgh. Studying at universities in Scotland lasts 4 years under the bachelor's program. Then you can enter the magistracy. To enter the undergraduate program, you need to pass entrance tests, an international test IELTS.

Studying at the universities of Scotland is getting a decent education in the field of medicine, law, exact sciences, economics and other spheres.

Master's degree

Master's degrees in Scotland can be a one-year accelerated program. In contrast to obtaining a bachelor's degree, to enter a master's program, you need to contact the university directly. Don't have to deal with UCAS ... Then you can get your doctorate.

Higher education and master's degrees in Scotland are usually provided to international students for a fee. But in some cases, you can count on free education in Scotland or various benefits. These are international grants and university scholarships for special student services.

How much is it?

If you want to take a language training in Scotland - the price depends on the duration and intensity. So, language courses in Edinburgh can cost about 800 pounds for two weeks. You also need to consider accommodation and meals.

Studying in Scotland is considered not the most expensive, but for Russians the cost may seem high, the point is in the course of the pound. Studying in Scotland and combining study with work is ideal.

Those who want to study in Scotland for free should try very hard. In the case of children, you must have Scottish citizenship. When it comes to adults, it is necessary to have some success in the learning process. There is always a chance to win an educational grant.

If you have decided that you want to study in Scotland, contact Logos Study Group ... Here they will help you choose the right educational program, tell you about how much it costs to study in Scotland. All that remains is to prepare the documents, which will also help. Don't miss your chance to study in the UK!

Features of the education system in Scotland

Scotland's independent schools differ from educational institutions in other historic provinces in Great Britain with a slightly modified education system. Despite the similarity of mentality and approaches to the educational process, Scotland stands out for several non-standard solutions in this area. And its most striking feature was the introduction of innovations against the background of deep respect for the centuries-old Scottish traditions.

The Scots, having entered the United Kingdom, preferred to retain the traditional education system, as well as the name of the study stages and examinations. Differences in the names of these stages have become a distinctive feature between the two systems, for example, English Key Stages in primary and secondary schools in Scotland are called National, GCSE exams, which are included in the secondary education certificate - Standard Grades, AS exams (for the first year A-level program) - Highers, and A2 exams (respectively for the second year of study) - Advanced Highers.

The fundamental difference between the Scottish educational system and the English one is that more subjects are included in its curriculum. At the Highers stage (the first year of A-level), the Scots study from 4-6 subjects, while in English there are only 3-4. This contributes to an increase in the level of general erudition of Scottish schoolchildren without the premature imposition of a narrow specialization on them.

Another difference between the Scottish education system and the English one is that you can enter the university immediately after Highers (the first year of the A-level), and it is not at all necessary to complete the Advanced Highers program (the second year of the A-level). Thus, Scottish students graduate from school a year earlier, but study at the university lasts a year longer than the English - not three years, but four.

For admission to most Scottish universities, an applicant must successfully pass at least four Highers exams, but for admission to particularly prestigious faculties or universities with a higher rating, you must provide the results of five Highers exams.

Characteristically, in the first year of a Scottish university, more diverse subjects are also included in the curriculum. This increases her general educational potential and makes her less focused on narrow-profile subjects than English.

The final year of the Scottish school - Advanced Highers - is a lot like the second year of the A-level. 3-4 subjects are also studied here: either they continue to study the same ones as in Highers, or they start new ones. But unlike the British, the Scots pay more attention to preparing for university entrance. The A-level program also provides for partial self-study, but at Advanced Highers this is much more emphasized. In particular, the program includes: writing term papers, projects and essays; students can practice in some disciplines, learn to independently conduct research, analysis and preparation of written works at the university level. The Advanced Highers program is considered more complex than the A-level - accordingly, its graduates receive a higher score on the UCAS tariff. ( What is UCAS tariff?)

For example, an A grade in the Scottish system is "worth" 10 points more than the same grade in English. In connection with the reforms of the education system and the constantly changing A-level program, the assessment rate may also change. You can check this on the UCAS website ().

The difference between the two systems is simple.

Scottish version: complete the Highers program - go to a Scottish university - study there for 4 years.

English version: complete the full Advanced Highers program - go to university - study for 3 years.

But graduates of the Advanced Highers program who choose a Scottish university get the opportunity to immediately enter the second year.

In summary, it's worth remembering: the one-year Advanced Highers program is the very first course of a four-year study at a Scottish university. The question is where the student prefers to take it: at school plus 3 years at a university or at a university for a full 4 years.

Nota bene to parents: Having chosen a Scottish school for your child, do not worry if he will be accepted later to an English university - all British graduates have equal opportunities. Moreover, as we have already proved, a graduate of a Scottish school even has a slight advantage over a graduate of an English school.

Thus, when choosing between England and Scotland, pay attention to just one aspect: how the child will get to the place of study in the changeable Scottish weather. Logistics: Explore all aspects of Scottish airports. As for the weather, although the weather in Scotland is less predictable than in England, its whims are fully compensated by the picturesque nature, clean air and the incredible beauty of this ancient country.

Scotland's education system includes preschool, general secondary, vocational and tertiary education.

Preschool education

There are no usual kindergartens in Scotland. However, there are preparatory classes (pre-school), an analogue of our kindergartens, which are attended by children from 4 years old, and where they are taught drawing, singing, dancing, the basics of mathematics, reading and spelling.

General secondary education

From 5 to 12 years old, children attend primary school. Children's knowledge is tested using tests in reading, writing and math. Grades range from A (the highest score, an analogue of our five) to E. At the age of 12, students move to secondary school. At the age of 15, students take the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE Standard Grade) exams for the general certificate of secondary education, corresponding to the English GCSE. After that, the student can either go to a college of further education, or continue his studies at school in order to obtain a higher degree certificate (Higher Grade). To do this, you need to study from 16 to 18 years old and pass exams in 5 or 6 subjects. This certificate is enough to enter Scottish universities.

To study in other parts of the United Kingdom or to get into one of the top universities in Scotland, you must complete the so-called "sixth year" of high school and receive the Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (SCSYS), which is equivalent to the UK-wide GCE A-level. Now, instead of the SCSYS certificate, graduates are issued the Advanced Higher certificate. It generally corresponds to the A-level. Higher and Advanced Higher certificates are recognized by all universities in the UK.

Special vocational education

Special vocational education in Scotland can be obtained after leaving school at the age of 16. Today in Scotland there are 43 colleges for special or further education (analogous to Russian technical schools). In colleges, you can get a specialty in the following areas: information technology, studying the basics of business, electronics, engineering, sports, tourism, interior and exterior design, healthcare, media, finance. After a year of full-time study, you can get a Higher National Certificate here, and students who have completed two years become holders of a Higher Education Diploma.

Higher education

An alternative to continuing education colleges is Foundation preparatory programs. There is also a single Scottish International Preparatory Program SIFP, the successful completion of which gives graduates the opportunity to enroll in almost any university in Scotland.

The procedure for admission to Scottish higher education institutions is no different from admission to English institutions and is carried out through the nationwide service UCAS. The procedure for admission and registration of documents must be started as early as possible - 1-2 years before the date of admission. The time reserve will allow you to choose the right university, realistically assess your capabilities, prepare and pass all exams on time.

The basic course of higher education at a Scottish university (undergraduate) lasts 4 years. Upon graduation, a bachelor's degree is awarded. The final year of study gives students the opportunity to obtain a Bachelor with Honors degree.

The first two years, students study a wide range of basic subjects, and then two more years are devoted to special disciplines in their chosen profile. Scottish universities have a flexible curriculum. Students have the opportunity to study a wide variety of disciplines, even if they are taught in different faculties.

Graduates can be awarded double degrees (joint degrees), for example, in accounting and economics. Some schools in Scotland offer so-called (sandwich courses), which give students the opportunity to gain practical experience during their studies.

Postgraduate education(postgraduate) is available to all who have graduated from recognized educational institutions around the world. Scottish universities have an intensive one-year master's degree program and a three-year advanced doctoral program.

The entire system of Scottish education can be described as flexible, because from an early age a child has a choice in everything related to the number of years to acquire knowledge, study disciplines and specialties, directions, etc. A myriad of secondary and higher institutions function in the country, where they receive high-quality knowledge and a European-level certification document, which is welcomed by the majority of employers. The system can be classified according to several mandatory steps:

  • Preschool preparation (with the development of basic school knowledge)
  • Junior school, where students will spend 7 years of their childhood
  • Secondary educational institution - a school where you can earn money, subject to successful completion of the course, a certificate for admission to specialized educational institutions
  • Secondary general education school with in-depth preparation for Higher (exam delivery required for admission to universities)
  • Profile institution, giving students excellent profile education and the possibility of future admission to a huge number of local higher educational institutions
  • Higher educational institutions in which subjects are taught in all areas of science
  • Postgraduate education, where you can improve your qualifications and deepen your subject knowledge

We will talk about all the many steps and variations of study in Scotland below.

Preschool education in Scotland

There is no kindergarten, in the standard sense, in this state. But there are preparatory courses where kids are taught perseverance and basic knowledge in various sciences and manifestations of creative activity. Attend such establishments from 3 to 5 years old.

Primary and secondary education

It takes 7 years for pupils to start primary school in Scotland (schoolchildren are from 5 to 12 years old), which is unusual for Russians. The system of marks here is similar to the Russian one, only the designation is not digital, but alphabetic (A-5, E-1). Knowledge control is carried out using tests for knowledge of basic sciences for elementary grades. At the age of 11-12, schoolchildren move to secondary school, where they have to unlearn from 4 to 6 years. The first four years are the minimum required for everyone. It is at this time that you need to pass examination tests, after which certificates of secondary education are issued. 15-year-old students are divided into two groups - those who have chosen a specialized education, and those who need to pass the Higher examination tasks for admission to universities.

From 16 to 18 years old, schoolchildren "absorb" knowledge that will be useful for successfully passing 5-6 exam papers and receiving the long-awaited and honorary "higher certificate" - it will be required when entering Scottish Higher Educational Institutions. Upon graduation from the so-called "sixth year", a certification document is issued, which is positively considered by all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.

Private schools


Secondary general education in Scotland for citizens of the country is free (sponsored by the Department and numerous educational councils). But there are a number of non-state schools in which both local residents and foreigners can study intensive general educational methods. Such institutions include the Edinburgh School for Boys and the School. St. George, accepting only girls within its walls. The distinctive features of these educational institutions include:

  • A rich subject study program
  • Development and intensive realization of creative potential in children
  • Almost round-the-clock daily employment, including a variety of sightseeing and thematic excursions, numerous circles, classes, courses
  • Personal education, which in the future becomes a powerful basis for the characters of students

Schoolchildren here spend their free time on self-improvement in various fields. General educational and creative circles, sports sections - all classes are conducted to maximize the potential and abilities of each student.

Holiday education for children and adolescents in Scotland


Two schools (named after Mary Erskine and named after St. Leonard) provide a vacation educational and entertainment course for children. Terms of stay - from two seven days to a whole month. During this time, schoolchildren will have a schedule full of excursions and interesting activities. During the rest, children get acquainted with the culture and sights of picturesque Scotland, study English in depth, communicate with their peers. At the end of the study of the program, the final test tests are always carried out, after the successful completion of which a certification document is issued. The cost of studying in Scotland for this program depends on the type and length of residence in the country and ranges from 200 to 500 thousand rubles per month. There is a unique chance of your child settling into a family or residence.

Professional education

There are 43 specialized institutions successfully functioning in the state, many of which cooperate with universities. This means that each student, if desired, can continue to receive already specialized education already in Higher Educational Institutions - Universities after receiving special college education, and he will have a shortened course (admission immediately to the 2nd or even 3rd year of study). The education system in Scotland is similar to the Russian one (in colleges) - you can choose one of the many directions and study it intensively for several years. After the first year of study, the Higher National Certificate is issued, and after the second - a diploma. The requirements in Scottish educational institutions for students are high, which is why the documents issued by them are appreciated by employers in well-known companies around the world.

Higher education in Scotland

Further study programs after high school or college in Scotland are flexible, i.e. there is a possibility of choosing the form of training and courses (even individual programs are drawn up). Basic training takes 4 years, after which the student is awarded a bachelor's degree. The next year is spent on obtaining an honors bachelor's degree. By the way, some universities provide for an industrial form of training, which involves intensive practice, which is especially appreciated by many employers as a kind of work experience.

The student body in Scotland is multinational. Most of the students here are locals, as well as visitors from the UK, but there are also a lot of foreigners (about 10-15%). The admission conditions for foreign citizens are democratic - as part of the entrance documents, diplomas from colleges and schools are quite often accepted. International students need to take Foundation or A-Level courses - these programs are offered by most colleges. Some universities are also ready to provide their own training courses, but further admission to this institution is often a prerequisite.

Higher education programs are always paid, both for citizens of Scotland and for foreigners. Some universities offer local residents to take an educational course on deferred payment, i.e. the student will pay for his studies after graduation if his salary is above 21 thousand pounds (per year). If the salary for the bachelor's degree is less, then you will not have to pay for the studies. By this, the Universities emphasize their "status" and the quality of education (after all, this is what the largest companies value).

Postgraduate education

In Scotland, there is an opportunity to take an intensive course for an increase in the degree to a Master in a year - this is an excellent solution for urgent improvement of qualifications. For those wishing to gain in-depth knowledge, a three-year course is offered, at the end of which a doctoral degree is awarded.