What is an independent school?

Independent schools, private schools and public schools are essentially the same thing. They are all fee-paying schools that operate entirely independently of Local Authority or government control.

The term ‘public school’ is typically used to refer to the most prestigious boys’ independent schools, including Eton, Harrow and Winchester. Other independent schools vary from small local prep schools to high schools that are a central part of a community.

‘Independent schools are free to set their own curriculum, school hours and term dates, and to choose which exam qualifications students take,’ explains Tracy Cook, spokesperson for the Independent Schools Council. ‘Because they’re not constrained by government, they have the freedom to operate in what they consider to be their pupils’ best interests.’

Unlike in the state sector, where children are educated in Key Stages, independent schools tend to follow this structure:
 

• Pre-preparatory (pre-prep) schools cater for children aged four to seven, although there are fewer standalone pre-preps than there used to be; most are part of a prep school.
• Preparatory (prep) schools admit children at the age of eight, and prepare them for senior school. Some now call themselves junior schools.
• Senior schools admit children at age 11 or 13 (in the case of boys’ public schools) and generally continue through to Year 13.
• All-through schools take children from the start of their education through to GCSEs or A levels.

‘One feature of the independent sector is that there tends to be quite a lot of movement,’ says Tracy. ‘For example, some parents prioritise an independent primary education and then hope their child will move to a state grammar school at 11, while others might go to a state primary school and transfer to an independent senior school, or join an independent school in the sixth form.’

For most families, the main reason for choosing an independent school is the academic standards. Independent schools are consistently the best performing in the UK, and at A level, 51 per cent of independent school pupils gain at least one A* or A grade, compared to 26 per cent nationally. ‘Teaching staff in independent schools usually have at least a degree, and often a doctorate, in their subject – so, for example, you won’t get a physics specialist teaching biology,’ Tracy explains. ‘They know their subject inside out and are passionate about it.’

Other factors that make independent schools appeal include:
 

• Smaller class sizes
• Outstanding facilities
• A greater element of parental choice, unlike in the state system, where much depends on catchment areas
• Increased chances of getting a top university place

Independent schools are renowned for their extracurricular activities, including a wide range of sports, music, drama, debating and dance. ‘There is also a lot of emphasis on developing skills like leadership, compassion and resilience. The focus is on a rounded education,’ adds Tracy.

Independent schools set their own admission criteria, and generally choose the best-performing students, although some are easier to get into than others.

Usually, at pre-prep level, children are assessed for their overall development, including social interaction, play and speech.

To gain a place at prep, children typically take tests in English and maths, and sometimes some form of IQ test; these are often described as 7+ tests.

At senior school level, pupils normally take an entrance exam at the age of 11, which may be externally or internally set, to determine whether they are of the right academic standard. The established boys’ public schools generally admit pupils on the basis of a Common Entrance Exam at 13.

‘It’s important to note that independent school selection is a two-way process,’ says Tracy. ‘It’s essential for parents to feel happy with their choice of school, through looking at the prospectus, visiting on open days and when the school is in session, and meeting the head teacher, who sets the values and ethos. It’s also worth getting in touch with the school if you feel your child doesn’t fit their typical mould; they are usually happy to discuss how they could help.’

Yes – the average annual fee for a day pupil is £13,200, projected to rise to £27,000 by 2028 if recent trends persist (Killik & Co Private Education Index). ‘However, most schools are keen to help with fees through bursaries and scholarships, and while applying for these is a rigorous process, over a third of ISC students receive some financial assistance,’ says Tracy.

Independent schools are monitored by the Independent Schools Inspectorate, which reports to the Department for Education and is overseen by Ofsted. Each specific area – including teaching, curriculum, welfare and personal development – is rated either excellent, good, sound or unsatisfactory. Pupil achievement can also earn an exceptional rating.

At prep school level, schools generally set their own tests, rather than Key Stage 1 and 2 SATs. Children usually then take an entrance exam for entry to senior school. Senior schools can choose which qualifications they offer. In many schools these will be GCSEs and A levels, but an increasing number are offering international qualifications such as the International GCSE (IGCSE) and International Baccalaureate (IB), which has a primary-curriculum equivalent as well as the more common A Level-equivalent programme.

The Independent Schools Council is a good starting place, with a Find a School feature. The Good Schools Guide also has lots of information about the independent sector, including advice on choosing a school.