Independent Education There are Independent schools in all areas. These can be run by proprietors or may be charitable organisations. Parents in Touch examination papers for independent schools
	The Independent Schools Council will provide you with a complete list of schools in all areas, their fees, numbers of children and other relevant information. These schools are generally known as Preparatory schools or privately run establishments. Children may attend from two to three through to either eleven or thirteen.

Why Choose an Independent School ?

Independent schools provide an excellent all-round education through the fact that they are have more freedom of curriculum and although conforming to the government syllabuses they are able to extend beyond these and adapt so that all pupils are able to achieve their full potential. As there are specialist teachers in most subjects each child can excel in some area of the curriculum and achieve for themselves.

Benefits of independent schools

• The staff have smaller classes so they can assess each child on a day to day basis. They can set work for the quicker students while having time to explain procedures to less mature students in a different manner. There will be regular assessment and testing, and reporting to parents so that parents and children are kept informed of progress.
• Everyone will be expected to conform to high standards in appearance, manners and attitude. This means that in a carefully controlled environment a high set of traditional values ensues.
• There will a great variety of choice in both sport and leisure activities. There will be the expectation to do well and team support if this is not always achieved. The schools will have excellent facilities and all pupils will have access to these and benefit from using them.
• The staff have smaller classes so they can assess each child on a day to day basis.
• They can set work for the quicker students while having time to explain procedures to less mature students in a different manner.
• There will be regular assessment and testing, and reporting to parents so that parents and children are kept informed of progress.
• Everyone will be expected to conform to high standards in appearance, manners and attitude. This means that in a carefully controlled environment a high set of traditional values ensues.
• There will a great variety of choice in both sport and leisure activities.
• There will be the expectation to do well and team support if this is not always achieved.
• The schools will have excellent facilities and all pupils will have the opportunity to use them.
• There will the opportunity for closer parent/teacher relationships as the numbers in school and in classes are smaller.
• All parents will be advised immediately if there are any concerns regarding their children so that the partnership continues to work.
• Each child will be able to fulfil his/her own potential both academically, socially and creatively. 
• Parents will have 'the stable door' left open as to the choice of the next school for all their siblings.

All schools should have prospectuses and after reading these it is always wise to visit the school and meet the Headmaster or Headmistress. You need to feel happy with the ethos of the school, the accommodation and the environment for both you and your child.

This decision is entirely up to you and although it is important it is never too late to change. Please talk to other parents in your area. They will tell you their experiences and then you can make a more valued judgement.
Useful links

• Independent Association of Prep Schools
• Independent Schools Examination Board
• Independent Schools Association
• Headmasters' and Headmistresses Conference
• Girls' Schools Association
• Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools
• Independent Schools Council The Independent Schools Council information & advice service (ISCias) is the information and advice centre for all enquiries relating to independent schools. ISCias utilises local contacts and expertise, allowing schools access to the range of information and advice available from the ISC. It also gives parents detailed advice on choosing and applying to ISC schools, as well as proving a central resource of printed and electronic material covering related areas such as special educational needs provision and assistance with fees. ISCias also provides information and advice to parents living overseas who are interested in finding suitable schools in the UK for their children.
  
• Scottish Council of Independent Schools
• National Association of Independent Schools
• ISBI

Charitable status threat to independent schools

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