Independent Schools Council

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

In an exciting new initiative, The Leys School has launched a term-long trial of the Inkling AI Avatar Tutor for Year 10 students, with the aim of strengthening pupils’ analysis and supporting their progress towards exams ⭐ #FridayFeature

Inspiring and uplifting students through partnership. In 2014, the Coastal Schools Partnership was established to develop initiatives that would empower young people. Find out more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 ow.ly/yioo50Yejbj

“There’s a real danger that it makes children far more socially excluded.” Jonathan Hetherington, head of More House School and chair of ISA, warns of the negative impact the government's SEND reforms could have on pupils' self-confidence. ow.ly/JpNx50YVpiO

Last Friday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson was the speaker at Islington Collegiate Sixth Form’s graduation, where she focused on finding success in life through motivation, networks and a positive attitude. Congratulations to all those graduating from Islington Collegiate Sixth Form!

Partnerships are helping to save languages. Several independent schools have collaborated to launch an innovative language learning programme, offering curriculum resources completely free of charge. Read more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/7066…

Last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson attended an event alongside Layla Moran MP, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee. The ISC would like to thank Layla Moran for her time, and for the opportunity to discuss the committee’s work on SEND and mental health.

Every child should have access to a range of enrichment opportunities. At Bedales, they are making this a reality, providing regular enrichment days to enhance student learning. Read more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 ow.ly/ylaQ50YeeC8

Teddies Up! This week’s Friday feature focuses on St Edward’s School Oxford, which has launched a new community partnership initiative that focuses on developing confidence and building friendships in Year 6 pupils from local primary schools. #FridayFeature

What is the impact of your independent school on the national and local economy? Through the ISC member zone, schools can assess how much they contribute to both the local and national economy. To find out more, follow the link below 👇 isc.co.uk/research/indep…

Should our qualifications focus on more than exams? In our latest blog, Will Goldsmith, head of Bedales, explains the school's in-house qualification, which combines academic study with creative and research-based components. Read more here: ow.ly/4Yuf50YSjnu

ISC visits Copthorne Prep. On Tuesday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson visited Copthorne, where she explored the school grounds and held an informative meeting with Kylie McGregor, head of the prep school. Thank you to all those at Copthorne for making the visit a huge success!

Last Saturday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson gave a speech at the National Muslim Teachers’ Awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of Muslim educators across the UK. Julie’s speech focused on the theme of transformational leadership in independent schools.

ISC schools welcomed 102,544 new pupils last year. While this represents a 5.2% drop from the previous year, ISC schools continue to be a first-rate destination for pupils. The ISC looks forward to welcoming all new pupils to the sector in September 2026 🥳

Belonging in independent schools. Luke Ramsden, deputy head of St Benedict’s School, has written our latest blog, in which he explores how the independent sector is well placed to respond to the challenge of pupil wellbeing. Read in full here: ow.ly/UAP950YQVSI

ISC at Brambletye School! Last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson and public affairs manager Tacho Onuluk visited Brambletye alongside local MP Mims Davies, where they had several productive conversations. We’d like to thank everyone at Brambletye School for such a warm welcome.