A-Level in Scotland for international students

Every year, secondary school education in Scotland for international schoolchildren and students attracts more and more applicants, and this is not surprising, because the quality of education in Scotland is not inferior to secondary education in the UK, Canada, USA, etc.

List of main tourist attractiveness of Scotland:

• The famous whiskey;
• Traditional kilts;
• Golf;
• Ancient castles;
• Rich history and traditions;
• The unique fascinating nature of extraordinary beauty.

Students from all over the world prefer to receive secondary education and a-level program in Scotland. because of the main advantages, which influence on final decision of foreign student or their parents.

List of the main advantages:

• Warm and friendly atmosphere;
• The kindness of the Scots;
• The high level of technical equipment of educational institutions;
• Exceptional quality of educational services, etc.

Scotland is a fairly small country in the west of the United Kingdom. However, only Scotland managed to defend most of its autonomy, and the Scots do not intend to stop there. Today, more than 5 million people live in Scotland, there are 22 universities and colleges, as well as more than 70 private boarding schools. In addition, educational services in Scotland are also offered at several language centers.

School education in Scotland for international schoolchildren and students is intended for children aged 5 to 16 years and includes:

• Preschool education;
• Primary classes;
• Secondary level.

Actually, secondary school is a mandatory educational stage for everyone, at which all students study the same disciplines. At the end of secondary school, international students take the Standard Grade Secondary School Certificate exams, which is similar to the GCSE certificate exam in the UK. Then students have a choice of further education: go to vocational colleges and technical schools to obtain specialization and professional experience, qualifications, or go to the so-called "sixth grade" - the second stage of secondary school or upper secondary school, provides international students with the opportunity for additional education to obtain a Higher Grade certificate. With this certificate, graduates can already successfully enroll in universities in Scotland and the UK, as well as in other parts of the United Kingdom. In many schools in Scotland, educational programs in the direction of A-level are offered for children, schoolchildren and students. The exam for Higher Grade, as a rule, includes tasks in 4-6 disciplines studied by schoolchildren in depth. During the "sixth grade", students not only study the disciplines necessary for passing the final exam, but can also take additional subjects for more in–depth study, which will subsequently allow them to pass the Advanced Higher Grade exam - this certificate has been a complete replacement for the diploma of graduating from high school since the early 2000s (Certificate of Sixth Year Studies). Both diplomas (both Higher Grade and Advanced Higher Grade) are recognized by absolutely all universities in the United Kingdom and some other countries of the world, therefore they allow graduates to freely enroll in higher education institutions.

Arnold I. Szepesi

Global Direct Sales Manager in EHL Hospitality Business School

What does make British schools special? Why are they chosen by parents from all over the world for their children?

Schools in the UK continue to be the gold standard of education and offer the highest quality teaching.
 

Tuition fee of secondary school education in the best schools and colleges in Scotland with A-level
in Scotland is from 25,000 to 35,000 GBP per academic year.

Tuition fee depends on different aspects of the educational process:

• Prestige of the educational institution;
• Chosen educational program;
• Location of the school, and other factors.

For detailed information, you or your parents can contact to SMAPSE local manager or visit website of the educational school or official groups in social media.

Some services are not included in the tuition fee and paid additionally:

• Educational deposit;
• Registration fee;
• Payment of the consular fee at the embassy;
• Payment of visa fees and services, translation and notarization of documents, as well as delivery of originals by courier;
• Medical insurance;
• Registration of guardianship for the period of study in England – from 495 pounds per trimester;
• School uniform;
• Pocket expenses;
• Organization of transfer at the time of arrival and departure;
• Air tickets.

So, how do I apply to A-level schools in Scotland? First of all, you need to fill out all the necessary forms for applicants, prepare an educational deposit and all educational documents. To get detailed information about admission to a specific educational institution, you need to contact your local SMAPSE manager.

The educational year of A-level program in Scotland is divided into 3 periods:

• Autumn – lasts from September to December;
• Spring – from January to March;
• Summer – lasts from April to early June.

As for holidays, they differ in the length of rest, are set for Christmas, Easter (the period ranges from 2 to 3 weeks), as well as summer, the longest (6 weeks).

Classes are held on weekdays, from Monday to Friday. Classes are held in the morning 9 a.m. and end at 3 p.m., while lunch and lunch breaks are organized. Educational excursions, exciting large-scale events, and sports competitions are organized on Saturday. Young art lovers will be able to spend time in creative studios, at various electives.