Why choose independent education?

Every family considering independent education has its own reasons for doing so. Here are some of the most important criteria identified by users of this website:

An all-round education

Independent private schools encourage pupils to develop their strengths outside as well as inside the classroom, ensuring that special talents and abilities in music, drama, art or sports are nurtured through a broad range of extra-curricular activities. All pupils are given the opportunity to develop their natural skills and to try new activities.

A school to suit your child

Your child's academic needs are top priority.

Not all independent/private schools educate children only of a high academic standard, but there is always some form of selection. Some schools only accept children who will be able to keep up with a fast paced curriculum, whereas others will cater for children with more average abilities or specialise in helping those in need of more individual attention in a less academic environment.

You know your own child better than anyone else and can gauge how he or she is likely to fit into the schools you are considering.

Academic success

Good independent schools enable pupils, whatever their academic ability, to achieve their best. Their success is reflected in the exam results of both highly selective and less competitive schools. Figures issued in October 2011 showed that private school students were around four times more likely to score three A/A* grades than those attending state schools.

Variety and choice

The independent sector includes schools of many different styles and philosophies and in the UK there are about 2,600 private schools.

Each school has its own ethos and atmosphere. Some are based in towns and cities; others, particularly boarding schools, are located in more rural areas. Some are co-educational, some single-sex, although many single-sex schools now have co-educational sixth-forms.

When you are choosing private education, draw up a short list of schools that appear to offer the qualities and facilities you seek for your child, then visit them and meet current pupils and staff. If possible, try to visit a school on a normal day in term time to get an impression of its normal working atmosphere.

Small classes and individual attention

All children gain from learning in reasonably sized groups and the more complex the subject, the more a child will benefit from a the smaller classes found in private independent schools. Class size at the lower end of the age range normally averages 15 to 20 pupils; in GCSE groups the number is around 12-18, and at A-level between 4 and 12. This varies from one school to another and according to the subject studied. Private schools have a staff:pupil ratio that ensures students receive plenty of individual attention according to their needs.

Excellent facilities

Good private schools offer first-class facilities for teaching, accommodation, sports, arts and all aspects of school life; they invest in modern technology and communications systems, theatres and dedicated science buildings, all of which enable pupils to achieve exceptionally high results.

Pastoral care

Independent schools play a vital role in building awareness, tolerance and understanding among young people in a secure, disciplined environment. This helps them begin their own adult lives as confident and responsible individuals and, by the time they leave school, many students will have forged friendships that will last lifelong.

High standards

Independent schools must meet rigorous inspection criteria. Schools in membership of one of the associations which form the Independent Schools Council must conform to strict accreditation requirements and are inspected every three years by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which works closely with Ofsted and the Department for Education. Other independent schools, not inspected by ISI, in England and Wales are inspected by Her Majesty's Inspectorate for Ofsted.