Independent Schools - A Well Rounded Education

Over 500,000 children benefit from an independent education in one of ISC’s 1276 member schools. Independent schools offer a wealth of facilities and high teaching standards that enable students to achieve great results year after year. Independent schools are in the unique position to provide a truly bespoke education for your child.

Choosing the right school for your child is an important decision that takes plenty of time and research. Thankfully help is at hand for parents in the form of the Independent Schools Council information & advice service (ISCias). ISCias has a free helpline, 0845 SCHOOLS (7246657), that gives free impartial information and advice to parents as well as providing an informative website www.isc.co.uk.

Results

One of the reasons parents continue to choose an independent education for their child thanks to high teaching standards and this clearly reflects in the grades that our schools post year after year. In 2008 over half of A Level entries from pupils at ISC schools were awarded a grade A. Also, pupil/teacher ratios continue to fall in ISC schools reflecting many schools’ commitment to teaching a wide range of subjects even if class sizes are small. There is now one teacher to every ten pupils allowing children to receive a uniquely supported and bespoke education. Independent schools are excellent at providing breadth of education as well as flexibility.

Facilities and Extra-Curricular

In 2007/08 ISC schools spent nearly 300 million pounds on new buildings demonstrating their commitment to constant improvement of facilities for pupils. Total spending on facilities and equipment stood at nearly 700 million pounds, roughly equating to roughly £1,400 per pupil. However, it’s not just academic facilities such as ICT centres, Science laboratories and state of the art classrooms that schools are committed to improving. With great sporting facilities too, schools can offer everything from athletics, rugby and football to squash, tennis and lacrosse. Independent schools are committed to providing children with a rounded education filled with both sporting and academic successes. Indeed many ISC schools have produced some of the best sports men and women in recent memory. The 2008 Beijing Olympics was dominated by Independent school educated stars such as Chris Hoy and Ben Ainslie. The England rugby team also boasts a hoard of Independent School alumni, Jonny Wilkinson, Matthew Tait and Lewis Moody to name but a few.

Many children also take advantage of various Cadet Force initiatives, such as Combined Cadet Force, which teach leadership and team work. Many schools even offer a BTEC in leadership as a result of pupils’ participation in CCF. The school day doesn’t have to begin at 9 and end at 5 and many parents choose a weekly or flexible boarding option, allowing their children to take full advantage of the after school activities that are on offer. Students are not confined to the school premises either as schools are very keen to organise trips abroad for history, geography and modern foreign language purposes. Pick up any school’s newsletter and you’ll find details of groups of students trekking off to some far flung destination.

So why choose an Independent School?

Education isn’t a one-size-fits-all affair and thankfully independent schools come in all shapes and sizes. The independent sector gives parents the opportunity to choose a school that is right for their child. Whether it is the breadth and flexibility of the curriculum that appeals or perhaps the extra curricular activities, you can be assured that your child will receive a well rounded education helping them to achieve their full potential.

Words: Liam Butler – Senior Information Officer