SNP urged to promote Scots boarding schools in global market

Scotland's boarding schools need stronger government promotion overseas, the Scottish Council on Independent Schools has told Europe minister Stephen Gethins, as rival nations pitch "UK quality education without the VAT" and more than 1,000 international pupils already generate £43 million a year for the Scottish economy.

Key Takeaways

• SCIS says Scottish boarding schools generate £43 million annually and wants SNP minister Stephen Gethins to promote them abroad.
• Irish private schools are targeting UK families with lower fees and no VAT after the UK removed private school fee exemptions in January 2025.
• Scottish independent schools have lost roughly 3,000 pupils, about 10%, since VAT was introduced.
• In England, 96% of Cheshire West state high schools will adopt phone-free days from September using lockable pouches.
• Cheshire's phone-free push supports Esther Ghey's national campaign for healthier smartphone use in classrooms.

Why is Scotland's boarding sector under pressure?

The competitive squeeze follows the UK Government's January 2025 decision to impose 20% VAT on private school fees. Scottish schools also lost charitable rates relief from April 2022, increasing costs on large campuses. Several independent schools have closed, including Fernhill in Rutherglen in June 2026.

Meanwhile, Irish schools are actively recruiting. Alexandra College in Dublin reports increased interest from Asia and Europe, while The King's Hospital School markets itself to UK parents as offering "UK-level excellence and no VAT." Seven-day boarding fees there range from €21,880 to €29,760 for 2026/27—often below comparable Scottish seven-day boarding costs.

How much do Scottish boarding schools contribute?

A BiGGAR Economics report cited by SCIS found boarding schools alone contribute £43 million each year. Davidson said the wider independent sector is worth half a billion pounds to Scotland's economy, supports 11,000 jobs, and reaches 120,000 people through partnerships with state schools.

Many international pupils stay on for Scottish university degrees, adding further fee income. SCIS wants boarding to feature in Scotland's global education and export strategy, mirroring the UK Government's international education strategy for independent schools.

Are English schools changing how pupils use technology?

While Scotland's independent sector fights for overseas enrolments, state schools in Cheshire West are reshaping classroom technology. According to Chester's Dee Radio, 96% of state high schools there have adopted or committed to phone-free days from September 2026 under an initiative led by Police and Crime Commissioner Dan Price.

The scheme provides lockable pouches that seal phones during the school day, supporting Esther Ghey's national phone-free education campaign. Schools already using pouches report better behaviour, concentration, and social interaction, with one citing an 80% drop in online safeguarding incidents. Price committed £150,000 over two years, supplemented by a £250,000 pledge from the Duke of Westminster.

These parallel shifts—global competition for fee-paying pupils and local moves to limit smartphone disruption—show how schools across the UK are adapting to fast-changing education and technology pressures.

What has the Scottish Government said?

The Scottish Government told The Herald that VAT remains a UK Government responsibility and that it has not received shared analysis on the policy's full impact on independent schools. Officials confirmed they received SCIS's letter and will respond in due course.

St Leonard's head Simon Brian said Scotland offers "outstanding schools, world-class universities, extraordinary countryside and coastline" and that pitching "Come and be educated in Scotland" resonates differently from generic British boarding marketing. Davidson argued that by working with the sector, the Scottish Government could build on international success and strengthen the economy.