Why Choose Independent Education?

Summary

Independent education offers many benefits compared to state education. The advantages of smaller class-sizes and academic success are well known, but perhaps less widely appreciated are the benefits of ethos, tradition, culture and pastoral care which help to turn out well-rounded young individuals prepared for life in our fast-changing world.

Apart from offering gender and boarding options every Independent School has a highly individual character born from a particular history and ethos; which makes choosing an independent school a highly personal matter.

Independent education gives pupils a great start in life and leads to greater opportunities in the future.

Wide range of choice

Within the state sector parents may express a preference but they do not have the same degree choice as those paying fees.

There are a variety of boarding options to suit all needs. Parents can choose between full, weekly and flexi boarding depending on their requirements.

There are academically selective schools on offer for the more studious pupils, and less selective ones for those who may flourish elsewhere and those who have special needs.

There are single sex or co-ed schools available for all age groups as well as a wide range of religious affiliations, cultures, specialisations and extra-curricular options.

Many Independent Schools offer the International Baccalaureate (IB) qualification as an alternative to A-Levels. IB is internationally recognised by universities and studied by students throughout the world.

Academic excellence and high teaching standards

Independent schools dominate academic league tables. Students from independent schools are three times more likely to get top grades at A-level than their state school counterparts. Around 30% of these achieve three grade As.

Over 90% of pupils go on to higher education and consistently over 40% of Oxford and Cambridge places are offered to students from fee paying schools.

Teachers selected by independent schools are amongst the best in the country. Many are very well qualified academically with a passion for their subject and the strength of character to nurture intellectual curiosity and critical thinking. Individual attention is a speciality, including the support of special needs if required.

Flexibility of the curriculum

Independent Schools are independent of local or central government control and free to develop their own curriculum. They appoint their own staff, develop their own policies and have the flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and to respond to new initiatives.

Prep schools typically shape their curriculum around the Common Entrance examination.

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