Many of Scotland’s independent schools hold open days for families to see around the school, view its facilities and meet the teachers and students. Others invite prospective pupils and their families to look round on individual visits. In both cases, contact the schools in advance to book a place.

Here are some of the open days coming up:

  • 28 September: St George’s School, Edinburgh, www.stge.org.uk30 September: Cargilfield, Edinburgh, www.cargilfield.com

  • 1 October: George Watson’s College, Edinburgh, www.gwc.org.uk; Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow, www.hutchesons.org; Kilgraston School, Bridge of Earn, www.kilgraston.com; Loretto School, Musselburgh, www.loretto.com; Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh, www.merchiston.co.uk; St Leonard’s School, St Andrews, www.stleonards-fife.org; St Margaret’s School for Girls, Aberdeen, www.st-margaret.aberdeen.sch.uk; The Compass School, Haddington, www.thecompassschool.co.uk

  • 5 & 9 October: St Mary’s Music School, Edinburgh, www.stmarysmusicschool.co.uk7 October: Gordonstoun School, Elgin, www.gordonstoun.org.uk

  • 9 October: Fettes College, Edinburgh, www.fettes.com; Loretto School, Musselburgh, www.loretto.com

  • 2 November: Craigclowan Prep School, Perth, www.craigclowan-school.co.uk

  • 5 November: Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow, www.kelvinside.org; Hutchesons’ Grammar School, Glasgow, www.hutchesons.org

  • 24 November: Morrison’s Academy, Crieff, morrisonsacademy.org