Independent Schools Council

Welcome to Friday Feature! ⭐ Every Friday, we’ll be posting a good news story from one of our schools. This week, we’re spotlighting Nottingham Girls’ High School, who have been awarded Senior Choir of the Year 2026 by the GSA. Congratulations to everyone involved! 👏

In 2025, 5,617 pupils had to find a new school due to closures. This figure is the highest in the last decade, reflecting the impact of VAT on fees. For pupils with SEND or those entering an exam year, this upheaval will be deeply traumatic and must be minimised.

☪️ Eid Mubarak ☪️ From everyone at the ISC, we wish all our schools, teachers, pupils and families a joyful and peaceful Eid! #EidMubarak #ISCschools

What's next for cross-sector partnerships? In our latest blog, Rohan Edwards, deputy head at Magdalen College School, outlines his vision for partnerships that are integrated into a broader local strategy, and which reflect demand. isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

Transferable skills for a changing jobs market. At Kingston Grammar they’ve launched the KGS Accelerator, where alumni give fortnightly talks about their careers and the skills needed to succeed. Read more about how KGS are inspiring their students: #p=38" target="_blank" rel="nofollow noopener">independentschoolsmagazine.co.uk/issues/2026-ma…

Independent schools are using their resources to help SEND families 📚 Moon Hall School is supporting its local community through weekly assessment centres and termly workshops. Find out more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 ow.ly/5mrs50Y7I33

The ISC Digital Conference will return to the University of Roehampton on 19 June 2026. This year will see technology thought leaders sharing their expertise in keeping humans at the centre of achieving digital excellence. Book your tickets here: ow.ly/ugLu50YsPCA

Breaking down barriers for women in STEM. In our latest blog, Anna Williamson from Loughborough High School shares how high aspirations and strong female voices are helping to build the next generation of STEM leaders. Read the full blog here: isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

Our CEO Julie Robinson will be speaking at the ISM Forum on Wednesday 18 March. The forum will function as a day for quality content, discussion and high-level networking. If you wish to attend, follow the link below 👇 ow.ly/NxW750Y7w1S

What is your school doing to mark British Science Week? In our latest blog, Isabella Hitchen from The Buchan School details the array of activities that students from all years are taking part in. Read more about their STEM explorations here: isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…

56 independent schools closed in 2025. This is 23 more than in 2024, demonstrating the significant impact VAT on fees has had on educational choice. Despite this, the sector remains resilient and continues to provide excellent education and care for children and young people.

Celebrating 30 years of co-education at Hurstpierpoint College 🥂 On Monday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson attended Hurst’s celebration in Parliament, where she spoke to Saqib Bhatti MBE, Shadow Minister for Education, who restated the Conservatives' pledge to reverse VAT on fees.

How important are oracy skills? They are integral to enabling pupils to build confidence and unlock exciting futures. At South Hampstead High School, staff are partnering with local state schools to pioneer a year-long course that helps students find their authentic voice.

Don’t ignore the value of independent special schools. That is the message of Jonathan Hetherington, head of More House School and author of our latest blog. Find out Jonathan’s full thoughts on the government's SEND reforms here: ow.ly/TokL50Yrow4

#EmpathyWeek 2026 is here! This year's theme is: ‘My Culture, Your Culture, Our Culture’. Teachers can sign up via the link below and gain access to resources to help pupils better understand themselves and others. empathyweek.org/home

Happy International Women’s Day! To celebrate, we’re highlighting women in STEM. Find out more about the achievements of girls' school students in GSA's report: ow.ly/8yt650Y64Kr #InternationalWomensDay

Careers learning starts with understanding yourself. This is the approach taken by Heathfield Knoll School, who have created an inclusive set of activities that recognises and celebrates the diversity of skills pupils have. Read more here: ow.ly/Y2ZM50YpK9z

Where do students from ISC schools go next? The vast majority of pupils from our member schools go on to higher education, many to top universities in the UK and abroad 🎓 From Oxbridge to apprenticeships, our students are charting ambitious futures.

Happy World Book Day! 📚 Reading is vital to children’s wellbeing. HMC has championed this through its partnership with E-ACT and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, which aims to ensure every child leaves school reading at or above their age 👇 ow.ly/qOIw50Yp2ey

The impact of independent specialist schools extends beyond the balance sheet. In a new blog, Michelle Catterson, head of Moon Hall School, highlights the positive impact of SEND schools on pupils and local communities. Read the full blog here: isc.co.uk/media-enquirie…