Scottish boarding schools are known for their warm, down-to-earth atmosphere. Daily life here is shaped by mutual respect, a strong sense of community, and harmony.
To attend a boarding school in Scotland is not just to learn – it is to arrive and belong. Time and again, our students tell us that they have found a caring second home in Scotland. That’s why we wholeheartedly recommend a stay amidst the breathtaking landscapes of the Scottish countryside.
We are here to support you in finding the school that feels just right. Together, we want to help make your child’s dream of a boarding school experience in Scotland come true – one that encourages growth, independence, and lifelong friendships.
Over 95% of our families from Germany, Switzerland and Austria take part in our expert consultations via video call – most often from regions such as Bavaria, Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia, Hamburg, Berlin and Hesse.
Thanks to their smaller size, Scottish schools are particularly adept at creating nurturing, personalised learning environments. Rooted in Scottish traditions, they also champion forward-thinking values such as open-mindedness, resilience and courage. Their unique locations allow pupils to explore the raw beauty of nature, while still enjoying access to vibrant nearby cities.
At Akademis Internatsberatung, we partner exclusively with the seven most prestigious boarding schools in Scotland. Each of our schools offers first-class academic programmes, together with a rich variety of sports and arts. We are your trusted guide in the search for the ideal school for your child.
What our clients say about us
Get in touch for a personal consultation on boarding schools in Scotland – especially if you’re considering an international qualification or a long-term placement. We offer flexible virtual appointments – including on Saturdays – and are happy to provide short-notice consultations for placements.
We look forward to your call.
What Makes Akademis Stand Out?
- We remain your trusted contact throughout your child’s stay, well beyond the placement process.
- We provide support with guardianship, visa applications and recognition of qualifications within the German school system.
- We offer fully tailored advice. Our school recommendations are unique to each child and can run to 40 pages in length.
- Families receive our 30+ page boarding school guide, packed with practical tips and insights.
- We prepare your child thoroughly for entrance exams and interviews to maximise their chances of success.
- We arrange school visits, ensuring you have the opportunity to experience each school first-hand.
Every boarding school has its own character and ethos. Having personally visited more than 100 schools, we understand these nuances. We also work with schools that do not pay commission, ensuring that our advice remains independent and always in the best interest of your child.
Our roots lie in the UK. For years, we have placed 200–300 families annually into British boarding schools. While our portfolio now includes schools beyond Britain, the UK remains at the heart of what we do.
Our tailored approach results in exceptional acceptance rates. For example, in 2022/23, all seven students we placed at the highly selective Malvern College received offers – a 100% success rate.
We arrange for prospective families to speak with our current students to hear first-hand accounts of life at a UK boarding school.
Akademis makes history – A Triple Award-Winning Consultancy (2023, 2024 & 2025) 🏆
Akademis has been recognised three years in a row by StudyTravel for excellence in the education sector:
2025 & 2024: Winners of the StudyTravel Secondary School Award (Best Western European Agency)
2023: Winner of the StudyTravel Star Award
(Best Western European Agency)
The StudyTravel Awards are among the most prestigious honours in international education, recognising outstanding quality, client focus and trusted partnerships. Being the first consultancy ever to win for three consecutive years is something we are deeply proud of. For us, these awards highlight our commitment to offering the very best guidance, personal service and long-term support for families embarking on this exciting journey.
What Makes Scottish Boarding Schools So Special?
While their foundations reflect the traditions of English boarding schools, Scottish schools have their own distinctive character – which is precisely what makes them such hidden gems. Scottish culture, complete with its lyrical accent, weaves through the corridors of every campus. And the untamed wilderness beyond the classroom invites pupils to take part in adventures like kayaking, climbing and mountain biking.
Families from around the world choose to send their children to Scotland, creating a truly international atmosphere. New arrivals are warmly welcomed and quickly become part of the school community.
The UK is famous for its strong boarding culture – and many of its finest schools call Scotland home.
Graduates of Scottish boarding schools enjoy outstanding university and career prospects. Over 71% of leavers receive an offer from one of Scotland’s four top universities – compared with just 29% of pupils from local state schools.
The Akademis Promise
Years of experience in student placement
Boarding school search tailored precisely to your child’s wishes and needs
Expertise in the British school system and admission requirements
Quality verified by independent institutions
Above-average acceptance rates at selective boarding schools
What Our Students Say
Angelina | Sutton Valence
„I’m extremely happy to be part of your organisation. Without your help, I would never have found Sutton Valence School!“
Angelina has her own YouTube channel where she shares her impressions and experiences of life at the boarding school.
Laura | Scarborough
„For the first time, it’s actually fun to go to school, because everything is so well tailored to the students.“
„I’m already looking forward to meeting the next lovely people who will come to this school.“
Madeleine | Buckswood
„I found the cultural exchange among my fellow students particularly enriching. It allowed me to form friendships with young people from all over the world.“
Ann Sophie | Oswestry
„I immediately had the feeling that I was in good hands and that everyone was making an effort to ensure I was happy.“
Meeting the Heads of British Boarding Schools
Why work with Akademis?
Trusted expertise
We’ve been placing students in top British schools for years and have strong, ongoing relationships with them
Only the best schools
Our partner schools are among the finest in Scotland. We work only with schools we know and trust.
Personalised guidance
We take time to get to know your child and your family’s wishes. A good match is key to long-term success.
Visit before you decide
Want to visit a school that interests you? We’ll gladly help organise a visit.
Entrance exam preparation
We support your child through the admissions process – we know what to expect and how to prepare.
Certified quality
Akademis is a certified ICEF agency. We are regularly audited and adhere to strict quality standards.
Overview of Boarding Schools in Scotland
The Scottish School System
While the other countries of the United Kingdom tend to focus more on specialisation, Scotland places emphasis on a broad and well-rounded education.
After completing six years of primary school, pupils can move on to secondary school, which follows a comprehensive school model. The first year is referred to as S1, while the final year is S6. To ensure a broad base of knowledge, Scottish schools offer subjects such as Modern Languages, Information Technology, Physical Education, Social Education, Modern Studies, Religious Education, and much more. English and Mathematics are compulsory throughout the entire school career, and tests are standardised across Scotland. From S3 onwards, students can start choosing individual subjects. After S4, they take the SCE Standard Grade (Scottish Certificate of Education), which is roughly comparable to the German Realschulabschluss. In the final two years, they can also take the SCE Higher Grade.
Alongside the state school system, the United Kingdom also has a well-established private school sector. These schools not only offer Scottish qualifications but also various other certificates such as the International Baccalaureate or A-Levels, which are also recognised in Germany.
Admission Requirements – Boarding Schools in Scotland
Admission requirements vary slightly from school to school. Normally, applicants are required to take a test and also attend a one-to-one interview. We are familiar with the exam content and are happy to support your child in preparing for the entrance assessments.
Good to Know
Scotland makes up the northern third of Great Britain. Its capital city, Edinburgh, is home to nearly half a million people. Though united with England for nearly 400 years, Scotland retains its own legal system, national church and a distinct educational structure. In fact, it has had its own parliament – based in Edinburgh – for more than 17 years.
English is the main language of instruction, although Scottish Gaelic is still spoken, especially in nurseries and some primary schools. That said, Gaelic-medium schools remain the exception.
Costs
As in English boarding schools, the academic year is divided into three terms. School fees currently range from £14,500 to £17,500 per term, with the average cost being around £15,800 per term.
With our help, you can find a boarding school that fits your budget. The difference in costs for a year abroad in Scotland between two schools can be as much as £9,000. Boarding schools in rural areas are often more affordable.
The following services are included in the school fees:
- Tuition
- Classroom materials
- Meals
- Accommodation
- Laundry service
- Extracurricular activities
Not included in the school fees:
- Uniform
- Private tuition
