Independent Schools Guide: Finding a winner for your little wonder
Whether it be sport, the arts or academic exercise, independent schools have it covered, and open days are a great way to find a good fit for your child’s needs
This is set to be a summer of sport with Scotland reaching the football World Cup Finals for the first time since 1998 and Glasgow welcoming athletes to the city for the Commonwealth Games.
It’s therefore a perfect time to explore the ethos of Scotland’s independent schools in promoting sport among its students.
In this issue, The Scotsman’s education correspondent Catriona Stewart speaks with teachers who explain how they encourage participation in their pupils for fun and the joy of taking part, not just for competition.
Catriona also looks at the topic of mental health and young people, hearing from Loretto College head Pete Richardson about how his school prioritises resilience.
And headteachers from a number of schools provide answers to the questions of “what is your place of learning’s policy on smartphones in the classroom or on campus – how have you arrived at the decision? And how do you balance guidance around smartphone use with effective digital learning?”
Meanwhile, Lorraine Davidson, chief executive of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) writes on the topic of “providing choice for parents and pupils throughout the school journey”.
It is also that time of year when many young people and families visit schools on their open days – or sometimes more experiential “taster days” – to help decide which option is best for them.
Dr Kenneth Taylor, headteacher at St Mary’s Music School in Edinburgh, explains why it runs taster days: “As a specialist music school, we believe that finding the right learning environment is one of the most important decisions a young musician and their family will make.
“Our taster days give prospective pupils the opportunity to meet our staff and current pupils, take part in classes, and immerse themselves in the musical life of the school.
“These open, interactive days allow young musicians and their families to gain a real sense of whether this unique environment is the right fit.”
They can also learn more about pathways beyond school, particularly for young musicians considering music as a career.
As one of the UK’s nine specialist Music and Dance Scheme schools and the only one in Scotland, St Mary’s taster days are tailored for young musicians who are serious about pursuing a specialist music education. Its next Instrumental Taster Day is on Sunday, 8 March and its Vocal Taster Day is on Sunday, 15 March.
Jane Barrowcliff, acting headteacher at Fairview International School in Bridge of Allan, says: “Open days give families the chance to experience the atmosphere of the school, meet staff and pupils, and gain a clear sense of our values, culture and identity.
“I would encourage families to ask about learning and teaching, pastoral support, and how the school supports pupils to thrive both academically and personally.
“I would also encourage families to return for a one-to-one personalised tour of the school with the head or a member of the admissions team, to gain an authentic sense of the school in action.”
Carol Chandler-Thompson, head of St George’s in Edinburgh, says her school runs open days as the best way to understand the school is to feel it “from the confidence of the girls and the passion of the teachers, to the unique sense of community in a single-sex environment, and the space both inside and outside the school buildings.”
She adds: “For families, open days are a chance to explore our beautiful single campus and to meet the teachers who will support their daughter and ask the questions that matter about how our curriculum prepares girls for tomorrow’s world and empowers them.
“Visitors can also learn what makes St George’s distinctive, with student-led tours and opportunities to see learning and wider school life in action.”
According to Lisa Kerr, principal at George Watson’s College, every colleague who has been part of her school’s open mornings, has witnessed that moment when something clicks for a family. She describes that as: “The moment when they know Watson’s is for them.”
She explains: “Whether that’s because they’ve fallen in love with our 52-acre campus, been inspired by the passion of our staff or seen in our older pupil guides, the young person their child aspires to be, it’s clear when they know they’ve found their school – a place where their child will thrive.
“Of course, it doesn’t happen for every family every time, but crucially, it only happens on campus and it’s why open mornings matters.
“But, even when Watson’s feels right, choosing a school is a significant investment and a decision that often can’t be made based on one event alone. That’s why we’ve created a range of bespoke opportunities for parents and pupils to experience our school.”
Such bespoke sessions include taster sessions where pupils experience life at Watson’s on a school day, or personal tours tailored to each child and their interests; playdates on campus for the youngest pupils; and “getting to know you” evenings for prospective parents to meet with teaching staff and parent ambassadors.
Timothy Bayley, warden and chief executive of Glenalmond Schools Group UK, comments: “Families leave our Open Days with a far clearer sense of Glenalmond. They see the scale of our campus, the quality of our facilities and the breadth of our opportunities, But just as importantly, they gain an insight into the character of the school – how we teach, how we care for pupils, and how we help them grow.
“I always encourage families to ask questions that get to the heart of the school, such as how the school will support a child’s aspirations? What opportunities do pupils have to flourish outside the classroom? How will Glenalmond build confidence and resilience?
“These conversations help parents understand the full educational journey, not just the academic route but the values and experiences that shape each pupil.”
Glenalmond’s next Open Day is on Saturday, 21 March.
Pete Richardson, head of Loretto School near Edinburgh, says: “We encourage families to use open days to ask questions that will help them to decide on the best school for their child.”
This may include questions around academic performance and leaver destinations, sports and extracurricular activities, boarding options and mealtimes, class and school size, pastoral care, support for students joining from overseas and transport.
This year, Loretto is hosting its Junior School Open Afternoon on Friday, 27 February and its Senior School Open Morning on Saturday, 7 March, with later introductory events expected in May and September.
Open Day diary dates
Cargilfield School
Nursery – Play & Explore Morning, Friday, 6 March, 9.30am to 11am
Edinburgh Academy
Contact the admissions team on 0131-624 4987, or email [email protected] to arrange a visit.
Edinburgh Steiner School
To arrange a visit, go online to edinburghsteinerschool.org.uk
Glenalmond College
Saturday, 21 March, from 9.30am.
Loretto School
Junior School Open Afternoon (3 to 12 years) Friday, 27 February.
Senior School Open Morning (12 to 18 years) Saturday, 7 March.
Morrison’s Academy
Friday, 27 February, 10am to 12pm. Register online to attend: morrisonsacademy.org
Regius School
Friday, 13 March, from 1pm to 3pm.
St Aloysius’ College
Kindergarten and Junior School, Tuesday, 3 March at 10am.
Senior School, Wednesday, 4 March at 10am.
St George’s School
Friday, 13 March, 9:30am to 12pm.
St Mary’s Music School
Instrumental taster day, Sunday, 8 March.
Vocal Taster Day, Sunday, 15 March.
Pre-audition day, Friday, 20 February.
The Compass School
Saturday, 7 March, from 10am to 12:30pm.
This article first appeared in The Scotsman’s Independent Schools Guide, published on Saturday 14 February