Private education

The parents of children of school age have a legal duty to provide a suitable education for that child by ensuring that the child attends a public school which is a school managed by the Education Authority – or by other means.

In practice, other means refers to parents who choose to pay for their child to attend an independent school or who choose to home educate. The Education Authority has very few duties in relation to these children or young people.

Parents may choose to fund their children to attend independent schools without the need for any discussion with the Education Authority. It is the responsibility of the Scottish Government to ensure that independent schools are properly managed.