Official Bodies
Independent Schools Council
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) brings together eight associations of independent schools, their heads, bursars and governors.
ISC’s work is carried out by a small number of dedicated professionals working out of our offices in
central London. We are assisted by the contributions from expert advisory groups in specialist areas. Our priorities are set by the board of directors led by our Chairman, Barnaby Lenon. We are tasked by our members to protect and promote the sector in everything we do.
www.ISC.co.uk
Independent School Inspectorate
The Independent Schools Inspectorate is the body responsible for the inspection of schools in membership of the Associations that make up the Independent Schools Council. We are approved for the purpose of inspection under Section 162A of the Education Act 2002, and report to the Department for Education on the extent to which schools meet statutory requirements.
ISI inspection is for the benefit of pupils and seeks to improve the quality and effectiveness of their education and of the care for their welfare.
ISI also provides inspection of educational oversight in private further education colleges and English language schools in England and Wales.
http://www.isi.net
Boarding School Association
The Boarding Schools’ Association (BSA) is the United Kingdom Association serving and representing member boarding schools, training staff and promoting boarding education in both independent and state boarding schools.
http://www.boarding.org.uk
Boarding Concern
Boarding Concern is committed to challenging the tradition of educating children away from home at boarding school.
The emotional cost to children of adapting to boarding goes largely unquestioned and unacknowledged while the boarding school industry promotes itself by results and achievements.
The core concern is the psychological and emotional impact on children who spend two-thirds of each year in an institution, living apart from family and home.
Boarding Concern advocate raising children within families. They emphasise particular problems arising from early boarding (under 13) and highlight the effects of surviving at boarding school at every age and stage of development.
Main supporters include former boarders who range in age from their 20’s upwards: the issues are as relevant and on-going today as they were in the past.
http://www.boardingconcern.org.uk
Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Established in 1978 to represent independent schools in Scotland, the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) became a charitable company limited by guarantee in 1990.
www.scis.org.uk
Scotlands Boarding Schools
A subsidiary brand of Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), who offer a broad range of information about the 14 boarding schools located in Scotland
http://scotlandsboardingschools.org.uk
Ofsted
Ofsted is the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Ofsted report directly to Parliament and are independent and impartial. They inspect and regulate services which care for children and young people, and those providing education and skills for learners of all ages.
http://www.ofsted.gov.uk