The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.

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Types of School in Scotland

Independent schools make an important contribution to Scotland's educational provision.

Preparatory and senior schools exist in Scotland, but many senior schools have their own junior departments so pupils can progress through the stages of education whilst remaining at the same school.

Scotland has its own public examination system - the Scottish Certificate of Education. In most Scottish schools, pupils study for the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE), Standard and Higher Grade Examinations. Standard Grade is taken at the age of 15 and is approximately equivalent to GCSE. The Higher Grade is normally taken in five or six subjects a year later but can also be taken in the Scottish sixth year.

The Scottish Certificate of Sixth Year Studies (SCSYS) offers pupils who wish to stay on at school a further qualification after Higher Grade. Some Scottish independent schools do AS/A2s as well as 'Highers'. You should check which subjects are offered. The SCE and GCE are both recognised for entrance to all Scottish universities and other universities in the United Kingdom.

In Scotland the equivalent organisation to ISC is the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), which was formed in 1978 to represent the interests of independent schools in Scotland. Its members are registered with the Scottish Executive Education Department and subject to inspection by Her Majesty's Inspectorate.