Independent Schools Council

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!

Independent schools give back to their communities 👐 Last year, ISC schools raised at least £9.1m for charity, and 196,021 pupils from 963 schools participated in volunteering opportunities. Find out more in our latest census!

Students at ISC schools pursue a wide range of bright futures ⭐ Independent schools equip pupils with the curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking to thrive in higher education and the workplace. Whatever their destination, our students are charting ambitious paths.

ISC schools expanded their school partnerships by over 600 in 2025. Across the country, independent schools are working collaboratively with state schools and community organisations to spread opportunities and support the government’s education priorities 🤝

Bursaries can have a transformational impact. 183,705 ISC pupils – more than a third of the total population – receive some form of fee assistance. ISC schools are demonstrating their lasting commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities.

"I can honestly say it was one of the best weeks of my life." In our latest blog, Aiden, a sixth form student at Harris Academy Falconwood, shares some highlights from his week of work experience at ISC 📝 isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

More than 97,000 pupils are educated at 134 ISC affiliated schools overseas. This global capacity has enabled many schools to become international hubs, partnering with providers from across the globe. At home and abroad, ISC schools provide an excellent education for pupils.

Today’s Friday Feature celebrates Lancing College’s Aspire Programme, which has created opportunities for pupils, staff, and the wider community through collaboration with local schools. Through their work, Lancing has inspired a love of learning beyond the classroom! 🌟

No two schools are the same. This is certainly true of the 1,455 members of the ISC. However, what unites them all is a commitment to providing an exemplary education for all their pupils. Learn more about ISC schools in our 2026 Census, link below.

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ISC schools employ 58,949 full-time teachers. This is down 1,276 compared to last year’s figure. Despite the decline, independent schools continue to operate small class sizes with a pupil-teacher ratio of 8.5 to 1, offering more tailored teaching to students.

Queen’s College pupils design real-world solutions for wheelchair user. This week’s Friday Feature focuses on Queen’s College Taunton, whose pupils put their design technology skills to practical use through a project aimed at improving the life of a local wheelchair user 🌟

What does it mean to be a scholar in the age of AI? In our latest blog, Phoebe Bradley, deputy head academic at Putney High School, argues that the answer balances digital fluency with the skills of leadership and creativity. Read the full blog here: isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

ISC schools provide SEND support for 123,823 pupils. Of these, 15,356 have an EHCP – a 62% increase on last year. Independent special schools provide quality education and care, giving young people with SEND equity of opportunity that would not be possible elsewhere.

Yesterday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson and ISC chair Mark Taylor met with Olivia Bailey MP, Minister for Early Education.

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19,000 pupils have left independent schools in the last year. Representing the largest drop since ISC records began, the figure far surpasses the government’s estimations. Despite this, independent schools continue to provide an excellent education to over 500,000 pupils.

This week’s Friday Feature highlights Highgate’s sustainability-themed CPD day for educators across London and the South East, taking place on Wednesday 1 July 🌟 For more information, click the link below 👇 highgateschool.org.uk/environmental-…

Earlier this week, ISC Julie Robinson appeared on the Inside Your Ed podcast, where she discussed the impact of VAT on independent school fees. Listen to the full episode here: insideyoured.com

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A snapshot of ISC's 2026 Census 📊 The ISC has compiled an infographic that details the key figures from this year’s Census. It features stats on: -Pupil numbers -Fee assistance -SEND -Partnerships And more! The full Census can be accessed below 👇