Independent Schools Council

This week’s Friday Feature celebrates the St Michael’s Prep science team! Placing 18th out of 100+ schools in the National Science Quiz Club Championships, they demonstrated impressive teamwork and knowledge throughout. Congratulations to everyone involved! 🌟

Cross-sector partnerships can equip pupils with digital responsibility. St Benedict’s School welcomes local state schools to their AI safeguarding conference, ensuring key knowledge and resources are freely accessible to all. Read more below 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/7066…

Connecting with the countryside can improve pupils’ prospects. Radley College has partnered with seven local schools to provide enrichment beyond the classroom, giving pupils increased independence and a sense of responsibility. #powerofpartnerships

STEM subjects are shaping our future and yet many young girls lack pathways into these areas. Through the Bright Girls, Bright Futures partnership, Nottingham Girls’ High School is working to expand opportunities in maths and science. Read more 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/7066…

Berkhamsted School student releases EP to raise money for War Child UK, Sixth form student Harry is releasing an EP entitled ‘Songs I Wrote on a Dog Walk’. Featuring 5 original songs and 2 covers, the EP aims to raise money for War Child UK. Congratulations to Harry!

On Wednesday, Baroness Garden highlighted the work of both Lichfield Cathedral School and Wells Cathedral School in reducing the attainment gap in music through partnerships. Thank you to Baroness Garden for raising this point and to both schools for their work in the community.

On Tuesday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson visited Bedales School, where she met with head of school Will Goldsmith, and head of prep Clare Kirkham. Julie thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Bedales learning community approach and their broad range of opportunities.

At the ISBA conference last week, Mark Taylor, chair of ISC, was presented with a mark of appreciation for his year's of distinguished service as an independent school bursar, including his tenure as chair of ISBA.

Across last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson attended the annual conferences of several of our associations and affiliate organisations. From COBIS, to ISBA and the ISA, Julie enjoyed her many thoughtful conversations with leaders and educators from across the sector.

Happy National Numeracy Day 🔢 More young people are leaving school without the numeracy skills needed for life. Schools and their communities can work together to change that. Find out more about available resources in the link below 👇 ow.ly/WNOn50Yh0wq

The ISC Digital Conference is one month away! If you’re part of the education sector and interested in issues such as academic integrity, ethical AI use and cyber security, this is the event for you. 📌 University of Roehampton 📆 Friday 19 June 🎟️ gsa.uk.com/event/83516/

Tackling disadvantage through partnerships. RGS Newcastle is collaborating with schools to reduce the attainment gap in Tyneside through a targeted and robust approach. Read more about their initiatives in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/7066…

Young podcasters go behind the mic with science creator Big Manny 🎙️ This week’s Friday Feature shines a light on Sebastian and Dian from Cumnor House School. They recently interviewed the viral youtuber, gaining valuable insights for their own podcast, Cumnor Unwrapped 🌟

Boosting activity and participation in sports through partnerships. Students at Abingdon School run weekly coaching sessions for local primary school pupils, broadening access to a range of different sports. Read more through the link below 👇 ow.ly/HbBC50YgXoQ

Did you know you can find ISC schools in your local area using the search tool on our website? isc.co.uk/schools/ You can refine your search by boarding/day schools, age range, fee assistance options and more!

ISC schools employ more people than the city of Southampton 🤯 ISC schools contribute £6.1bn to the UK economy every year through staffing costs generated by 152,290 employees. Independent schools will remain a key contributor to the UK’s economy.

“Academic success alone no longer guarantees entry to a fulfilling career.” Niamh Green, headmistress of Roedean School, writes about the importance of a whole-school approach to careers education in our latest blog. Read more here: isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

ISC had the pleasure of visiting Clifton High School last week to hear all about their innovative AI usage. Discussion focused on Clifton’s Skills for Tomorrow course, which prepares students to navigate the changing world with AI. Thank you, Clifton!

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! With this year’s theme of 'action', the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging us to ask: what can we do to build mentally healthy schools and communities? Through action we can build real change. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Students at St Paul’s are set to take their revolutionary safety alarm global. Following their success in the Young Enterprise Competition, the pupils plan to relaunch their product as an independent start-up this summer. Read more here: ow.ly/JVz050YXjro