New Forest Living May - Jun 2024

ISC'S 150 TH
ANNIVERSARY
The act of giving back
is very much embedded
within the culture of
independent schools
2024 is a big year for the
Independent Schools Council
(ISC). It marks 50 years since the
organisation was established,
with the express aim of
representing all independent
schools via their member
associations. While the last
five decades have brought new
challenges and opportunities for
the sector, one thing remains
unchanged – the ISC’s role as a
service organisation, protecting
and promoting the interests of
independent schools at home
and abroad.
As we celebrate our big 5-0,
let’s take a closer look at the key
characteristics – and contributions –
of independent schools.
Diverse range of
specialisms and learning
approaches
There is a wide variety of schools
within the independent sector:
day and boarding schools; singlesex
and co-educational schools;
faith schools and schools with
specialisms such as in the arts
or sport. This means there is an
environment to suit every child and
their needs.
Almost a fifth of ISC pupils – over
100,000 – benefit from some form
of special educational needs and
disability (SEND) provision, with
families often choosing independent
schools because of the smaller
class sizes and specialist support
they provide.
Partnership work and
community support
Cross-sector partnerships between
state and independent schools
enrich the educational experiences
of all involved. These include
academic programmes, careers and
higher education support, teacher
development programmes and
governance partnerships, among
many others.
Staff and pupils at independent
schools place great emphasis on
building links and strengthening
relationships with members of
the wider community, actively
volunteering and offering their time
and resources to help others. The
act of giving back is very much
embedded within the culture of
independent schools – in fact, many
incorporate this work into their
weekly timetable.
Widening access through
bursaries
The independent sector is
committed to providing valuable
educational opportunities to greater
numbers of children and young
people. This determination is
reflected in the amount of bursary
support made available to families –
ISC schools provide over £1 billion
in fee assistance every year.
Much of this support is meanstested,
intended for families who
otherwise could not afford to send
their child to an independent school.
Nearly half of all pupils on meanstested
bursaries have more than
half of their fees remitted – and over
7,000 pay no fees at all.
Economic value and
contribution to the
economy
Independent schools put into
society far more than they take out.
They save the taxpayer £4.4 billion
each year through the education of
children and young people outside
of state schools. Across the sector,
independent schools contribute
in the region of £16.5 billion to
the economy and generate £5.1
billion in tax revenues, as well as
supporting over 328,000 jobs.
All of the above is a testament to
the valuable role of independent
schools, both in the education
system and society more generally.
Despite ongoing challenges –
including rising costs, soaring
teacher pension contributions
and the threat of VAT on fees –
independent schools are continuing
to support their wider communities,
enriching the experience of their
staff and students in the process.
At the ISC, remain dedicated to our
role in representing the needs and
interests of these schools – here’s to
the next 50 years!
Find out more at www.isc.co.uk
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 17