Sporting Excellence at Independent Schools in Scotland By Harvey Mcewan

Choosing whether to send your child to an independent or a state funded school is a difficult choice for any parent. There are many factors to take into consideration, not least of which is the cost involved with independent schools, but one of the main advantages offered by these schools is the long history and traditions of sporting excellence and as such the sporting facilities that reflect this. In an age when parents are increasingly concerned with the lifestyles and health of their children, these facilities combined with the culture of encouraging sporting success, can be a huge factor in the final decision on where their child should be educated.

The sporting success of independent schools at producing world class athletes has been highlighted in recent years with the success of privately educated athletes at the Olympics. In Beijing over 50% of Team GB's medals came from athletes educated at independent schools meaning that despite just 7% of the UK population being privately educated, they equated to over half the total medals. This trend was again apparent at the recent London Olympics with nearly 50% of the gold medallists being an independently educated athlete.

For Scottish athletes specifically this figure is slightly more balanced but again the trend of sporting success for independently educated athletes was reflected in that, while fewer than 5% of Scottish children are being educated at independent schools throughout Scotland, 30% of the Scottish medallists in London were (including triple gold medallist Chris Hoy).

While many may decry this disparity in sporting achievement, and should attempt to address this imbalance by improving sport in public schools, it is a clear indicator of the sporting benefits currently offered by independent schools in Scotland.

Although these statistics only highlight the benefits at the very top end of sporting achievement, in general independent schools (by offering a wide range of sports, the best facilities and passionate coaching) encourage children to reach there sporting potential at whatever level that may be. Most independent Schools will have their own indoor sports halls, Astro Turf pitches, football, rugby, cricket and hockey pitches. Many can also have their own swimming pools and some, even their own golf courses.

There are currently 104 independent schools in Scotland all of which can offer a whole range of facilities.

If you are interested in sending your child to an independent school in Scotland, most offer information on facilities, courses and fees online but make sure you also take advantage of open days and fully explore your options.

Sporting excellence in independent schools in Scotland by Harvey Mcewan

Decide whether to send your child to an independent or a State-funded school, is a difficult choice for all parents. There are many factors to consider, not least of which are involved in the costs with independent schools is one of the main advantages of these schools but the long history and tradition of sporting excellence and as such the sports facilities that reflect this. In a time when parents increasingly with the lifestyle and health of their children are concerned, can this equipment sporting success, a huge factor in the final decision on where their child taught should be combined with the culture of the promotion.

Has the athletic success of independent schools to produce world class athletes in recent years with the success of privately educated athletes at the Olympics were highlighted. In Beijing attended independent schools, which means that despite only 7% of the UK population privately trained team GB medals came from athletes over 50%, it equated to more than half of the total medals. This trend was again at the last Olympic Games in London, with almost 50% of the gold medallists will independently educated athlete.

Specifically for Scottish athletes, this number is somewhat balanced, but again the trend of sporting success for independently educated athletes reflected in this, while less than 5% of Scottish children at independent schools in Scotland is made of are, 30% of Scottish medallists in London (including triple Olympic champion Chris Hoy).

While many should reduce this inequality of sports performance and trying, this imbalance by improving the sport in public schools to meet, it currently by independent schools in Scotland, a clear indicator of the benefits of sports.

Although these statistics highlight the advantages at the absolute pinnacle of athletic performance, promote generally independent schools (through offers a wide range of sports, the best facilities and passionate coaching) children to reach it sporting potential on which level the might. Most independent schools have their own indoor gymnasiums, artificial grass courts, football, rugby, cricket and hockey pitches. Many have also their own swimming pools and some even own golf courses.

There are currently 104 independent schools in Scotland, which can offer a whole range of facilities.

If you are interested, send your child to a private school in Scotland are most offer information on facilities, courses and fees online, but make sure that you also take advantage of the open days and your ability to explore.