Everything you need to know about studying in Scotland. Schools in Scotland

The 2nd largest administrative and political unit of the United Kingdom.
When you arrive to study courses in Scotland, you will immediately notice its isolation. It has its own church, legal system and parliament.
Scotland includes about 800 islands.
The symbol of the state is the unicorn, which expresses the spirituality and moral purity of the local residents.
The shortest flight in the world operates between the two islands of the country, lasting on average 74 seconds.
While studying English courses in Scotland for Russians, you will notice the number of red-haired local residents. There are 14% of them in the country.

Benefits of studying in Scotland

Favorable prices. The cost of courses in Scotland for foreigners is lower than classes in England or the USA, while the level of education is very high.
Entertainment all year round. With about 350 festivals, beach holidays, world-famous clubs and restaurants, museums and castles, you can easily find something to do in this country.
Well-established educational process. Unlike London and other famous British cities, studying in Scotland is not so popular. In this regard, you are guaranteed small groups, personal attention and a minimum number of Russian speakers in the class.

English courses in Scotland: training programs

Vacation. These courses are convenient for schoolchildren and students. You can come for summer, winter, spring or autumn holidays and enjoy your holiday time.
Preparation for exams. This program is intended for those who plan to enroll in European universities.
Standard courses. A program that will help you quickly start speaking and writing in English.
Intense. Designed for those who are ready to actively work on developing language skills and want to prepare for passing a language text in a shorter time.
Business courses. A program for those who use English in the professional sphere.
Language and hobbies. This program combines not only language classes, but also art, history, and sports.

At the age of five, children move to primary school in schools in Scotland; at age 12, they move to secondary school, where they study until they are 15. Foreign students, including Russian children and schoolchildren, can study only from the age of 7 years. In primary and later in secondary school, students study core subjects, including some natural sciences, history, computer science, English and French. At the same time, each educational institution in Scotland has its own specifics in constructing the curriculum, and it necessarily includes sports, as well as creative disciplines such as drawing, playing musical instruments and even cooking.

At the age of 15, schoolchildren must take the GCSE exam (equivalent to GCSE in the UK), thereby completing the first stage of education (Nationals). Students then have the choice of either going to college for a vocational education or continuing between the ages of 16 and 18. After successful completion of this stage, graduates receive a Higher Grade certificate, which is sufficient for admission to.

The optimal path for Russian children, schoolchildren, and students to study in Scotland at a university is to first study in two final classes at a Scottish school or college, and then complete the Foundation Course educational program. As a result, the applicant will receive an excellent level of preparation for entering and studying at a university in Scotland, improve their English language proficiency and receive a certificate of completion of a Scottish secondary school.

There are several reasons.

Unique nature. High giant mountains, lakes, untouched forests, endless fields and cliffs, from which a picturesque view of the sea opens, amaze you with their beauty to the core.

Mild climate. There are no sudden weather changes in Scotland, so foreigners feel quite comfortable here.

Increased level of hospitality. The Scots are very welcoming people. This is manifested in the attention of teachers to students, the care of curators for children and the attitude of ordinary citizens towards foreigners. They are ready to reveal all the best facets of their country to visitors.

Special atmosphere. For those who prefer peaceful tranquility and serene solitude, Scotland is the best choice. Residents were able to preserve their unique national flavor and identity here. Ancient castles and palaces, unusual streets create an unrealistically fabulous atmosphere.

English courses in Scotland for students and adults

Basic. Aimed at developing 4 main language aspects - listening, grammar, reading and speaking. Based on the intensity of classes, there are two types of courses - Vacation and General English. The first involves 20 English lessons per week, the second - 27.

Intensive. Includes 35 lessons per week. Eight of them are aimed at developing special skills. This could be learning English for business or the political sphere.

Preparation for exams. At the end of this course, students successfully pass the FCE, CAE and CPE tests. The training lasts at least 10 weeks.

Training courses in Scotland for children

Vacation programs in the country are available for ruffed grouse aged 8 to 17 years. The standard course of study includes 20 English lessons per week. The Medieval Scotland program also provides an introduction to the history and traditions of the country.

The entire system of Scottish education can be described as flexible, because from an early age the child has a choice in everything regarding the number of years to gain knowledge, study disciplines and specialties, directions, etc. There are a countless number of secondary and higher institutions in the country, where they receive high-quality knowledge and certification documents of the European level, which are welcomed by the majority of employers. The system can be classified into several mandatory stages:

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, subject to successful completion of the course of study, a certificate for admission to specialized educational institutions
Secondary school with in-depth preparation for Higher (examination required for admission to universities)
A specialized institution that provides students with excellent specialized training and the possibility of future admission to a huge number of local higher educational institutions
Higher educational institutions that teach subjects in all areas of science
Postgraduate education where you can improve your skills and deepen your subject knowledge

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

Early childhood 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. They attend such establishments from 3 to 5 years old.

Primary and secondary education

It takes students 7 years to complete primary school in Scotland (school age ranges from 5 to 12 years), which is unusual for Russians. The marking system 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 on knowledge of basic sciences for junior grades. At the age of 11-12, schoolchildren move to secondary school, where they have to study for 4 to 6 years. The first four years are the mandatory minimum required for everyone. It is at this time that you need to pass examinations, 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 of age, schoolchildren “absorb” knowledge that will be useful for successfully passing 5-6 examination papers and obtaining the long-awaited and honorable “higher certificate” - it will be required when entering Scottish Higher Educational Institutions. At the end of the so-called “sixth year” of study, a certificate of certification is issued, which is favorably regarded by all higher education institutions in the United Kingdom.

Private schools

Secondary education in Scotland is free for citizens of the country (sponsored by the Department and numerous educational councils). But there are a number of non-state schools where both local residents and foreigners can study intensive general education methods. Such institutions include the Edinburgh School, intended for boys, and the school named after. St. George, which accepts 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 activity, including a variety of sightseeing and thematic excursions, numerous clubs, classes, courses
Personal education, which in the future becomes a powerful basis for the characters of students

Students here spend their free time from studying self-improvement in various areas. General education and creative clubs, sports sections - all classes are conducted to maximize the potential and abilities of each student.

Education for children and teenagers during holidays in Scotland

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

Professional education

There are 43 specialized institutions successfully operating in the state, many of which cooperate with universities. This means that each student, if desired, can continue to receive a specialized education at Higher Educational Institutions - Universities after receiving a 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 many areas and study it intensively for several years. After the 1st year of study, a Higher National Certificate is issued, and after the second - a diploma. The requirements for students in Scottish educational institutions are high, which is why the documents they issue are valued by employers in well-known companies around the world.

Higher education in Scotland

Further study programs after secondary school or college in Scotland are flexible, i.e. it is possible to choose the form of training and courses (even individual programs are compiled). Basic training takes 4 years, after which the student is awarded a bachelor's degree. The next year is spent completing a bachelor's degree with honors. By the way, some universities provide an industrial form of training, which involves intensive practice, which is especially valued by many employers as a kind of work experience.

The student population in Scotland is multinational. The majority of students here are local residents, as well as visitors from the UK, but there are also a lot of foreigners (about 10-15%). Admission conditions for foreign citizens are democratic - college and school diplomas are often accepted as part of the entrance documents. International students need to take Foundation or A-Level courses - most colleges offer these programs. 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 Scottish citizens and for foreigners. Some universities offer local residents 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 bachelor's salary is lower, then you will not have to pay for your studies. By doing this, Universities emphasize their “status” and the quality of education (after all, this is what is valued by the largest companies).

Postgraduate education

In Scotland, it is possible to take an intensive course to upgrade your degree to a Master in a year - this is an excellent solution for urgently improving your qualifications. For those wishing to gain in-depth knowledge, a three-year course is offered, upon completion of which a doctorate degree is awarded.

Scotland is the most independent country within the United Kingdom of Great Britain. With a rich domestic history, wonderful nature and hospitable local people, Scotland attracts visitors from the farthest corners of the world. The main distinctive features of this country are the Scottish national clothing - the checkered kilt, the national musical instrument - the bagpipes, Scotch whiskey, amazing ancient castles and endless fields and pastures covered with a picturesque carpet of heather. And the elusive Nessie from Loch Ness has already become a national treasure.

Helpful information

Scotland is included in the list of countries of the United Kingdom of Great Britain, and to visit this country you need to obtain a British visa. To visit Scotland to study, you must obtain a student visa. Depending on the duration of your studies, you will be issued either a short-term or long-term visa. The processing time is 15 days from the date of submission of documents to the embassy (delays in processing times are possible depending on the season). Registration for submitting documents is carried out approximately a week in advance.

Scotland has a quiet and peaceful life, but still be careful. Comply with local laws and public regulations. Due to its northern location, Scotland is quite cold despite the fact that the shores are washed by the warm Gulf Stream. Bring spare clothes and waterproof jackets. In summer, temperatures rarely rise above 20 degrees. Keep in mind that all shops, except grocery stores and sometimes souvenir shops, are only open until 17-00. The only exception is Thursday. On this day, the opening hours of some of them are extended by 1-2 hours. In Scotland, the mains voltage is 220 V, 50 Hz. Sockets - three-pin with grounding. The adapter can be purchased at any store. Scotland has its own currency - the Scottish pound sterling. It is identical to English - it changes the same, costs the same and is accepted throughout the UK. There are few street exchange offices in Scotland, and exchange transactions are carried out in banks (standard opening hours: 9.30 – 16.45, Saturday and Sunday are days off) at approximately the same rate.