Its educational system is one of the features which distinguishes Scotland from the rest of the UK. At secondary level pupils initially follow a compulsory core curriculum. At the age of 14 years they are able to choose their subjects, but at least one science is compulsory. Pupils take the Scottish Certificate of Education (SCE) at Standard Grade at the end of their fourth year of secondary education (i.e. at the age of 16 years). Beyond this level the SCE Higher Grade is currently taken in the fifth and sixth year (i.e. at ages 17 and 18 years). Advanced Highers are also available for pupils who have completed their Higher grade main studies and who wish to continue studies in particular subjects.

The public schooling system is supervised by the Scottish Parliament which acts in cooperation with the local authorities who provide schooling within their areas. School Boards operate in most schools in Scotland, consisting of elected parent and staff members, together with members co-opted from the local community. These are essentially consultative bodies comprising of parents, teaching staff, and co-opted members and together with Headteachers and Education Authorities they both share in the running of schools and provide a local focus for school management. The School Board can be a body through which parents can communicate their ideas, responses and concerns to school staff and others concerned with education.