Independent Schools

There are approximately 2,500 independent schools in the UK. These schools are not funded by the state and obtain most of their finances from fees paid by parents and income from investment. Although they can set their own curriculum and admission criteria, all independent schools must be registered with the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) and must reach (and maintain) certain standards. These standards are regularly monitored by either OFSTED (Office for Standards in Education) or the Independent Schools Inspectorate.

Types of Independent School

There is a wide choice of independent (also known as private or public) schools in the UK, including day and boarding schools, single-sex and coeducational schools, for children of every ability and age up to 19. They are attended by children from every sort of background; 40% of independent school pupils come from families where neither parent went to an independent school.

The term 'public school' is a label applied to leading fee-paying independent schools in England and Wales.

A common definition is any school whose head teacher is a member of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC).

Why Choose an Independent School?

Many independent schools are highly selective on academic grounds, as well as financial grounds (fees may cost up to £25,000 a year for boarding pupils and range between £6,000 - £21,000 for day pupils). However, many parents are willing to make immense sacrifices to send their children to these schools, because the education is seen to be academically beneficial (in terms of examination league tables), and they can offer a wide range of high quality sporting, musical and artistic facilities.

Independent schools pride themselves on being able to develop the full potential of each student whatever their ability or aptitude. Most have smaller classes than state schools and the staff have more time to give pupils individual attention. On average, independent school candidates achieve 350 UCAS points at A level (approximately equivalent to 2 A's and a B), compared with a state school average of 263 points (2 C's and a B). Nine out of ten independent school A-level leavers go on to higher education degree courses.

Independent schools also aim to develop the whole personality - the physical, practical and creative as well as the academic. Team games are encouraged along with individual sports, music and drama.

TOP 5 REASONS PARENTS CHOOSE INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS

Small classes with individual attention.
High standards of education and examination results.
Encouragement of good manners, discipline and a responsible attitude.
Encouragement of independent thinking.
Range of extra-curricular activities.

As independent schools are free (subject to the laws of the land) to decide for themselves how they operate and how they conduct their affairs, parents must satisfy themselves that the provision on offer meets their requirements. Any disputes must be pursued directly with the school.

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