Key figures in Scotland’s independent sector will gather in Edinburgh tomorrow (25 April) for the Scottish Council of Independent Schools’ (SCIS) annual conference.
Promoting choice, diversity and excellence in Scottish education, the event will be an opportunity for representatives from the sector to come together, address challenges, and discuss the future of the country’s independent schools.
John Edward, director of SCIS, said: “It’s no secret that, as a sector, we are facing unprecedented challenges. Yet despite uncertainty around Brexit and the unique imposition of commercial business rates on mainstream independent schools, the sector remains in good health, and I look forward to celebrating and championing that on 25 April.”
The conference serves as an opportunity to showcase just how important the independent sector is to the Scottish economy. John Edward, director of SCIS
Hosted at the Hilton Grosvenor, the conference will be attended by 130 delegates, comprising headteachers, bursars and governors.
Delegates will be joined by Professor Mona Siddiqui, the first Muslim to hold a chair in Islamic and interreligious studies at the University of Edinburgh, who will discuss resilience, happiness, and the pursuit of excellence, in her keynote address. Later, financial expert, David Hourston, will take to the stage to discuss investing in a politically and economically uncertain world.
Edward continued: “The conference serves as an opportunity to showcase just how important the independent sector is to the Scottish economy. It is a substantial employer across Scotland, but also contributes through the sharing of resources and facilities, not to mention its contribution to the nation’s social capital through world-class education.
“As a sector, we are a robust and resilient one, and we will weather the current storm – just as we have done the many before – by demonstrating dedication, energy and expertise in putting choice, diversity and excellence for Scotland’s young people first and foremost.”
