Article

 So you're thinking of choosing an independent school? Well choosing on the type of education and school for your children is certainly a very important decision to make, one that takes plenty of time and research.

To start with, choosing this paid educational path has proved to be a popular decision in recent years. In a recent survey conducted by Ipsos MORI for the Independent School Council (ISC), it was revealed that this form of schooling is more popular than ever with nearly three in five of all parents saying they would send their children to an independent school if they could afford it.

The reasons for choosing this educational path are varied but include and are not limited to the following:

High Academic Standards

Independent schools foster and nurture a breadth and depth of intellect as well as promoting individuality, initiative and curiosity. This will help your child develop an inquisitive mind and give them a love of learning with independent thought. According to the Independent School Council (ISC) over half of A Level entries from pupils at ISC schools were awarded a grade A. There is no one-size-fits-all approach to Independent education. This is because the curriculum here is more flexible to accommodate the needs of the student, leaving parents and guardians safe in the knowledge that their child is receiving the best education that will help them fulfill their potential.

Small Classes and Quality Teaching

The high Academic standards are achieved in part due to the student-teacher ratio which is considerably lower than in state schools. For example, the student-teacher ratio in some independent schools can be as low as nine students to every teacher. This allows the teacher to give every student their fullest attention thus giving a more personalised and individual approach to their education. The flexibility of the curriculum and the small class sizes gives teachers a level of independence to their teaching. The independence from governance and finance allows them to hire teachers who are passionate and have outstanding expertise in their respective fields.

Rounded Education

In addition to a fantastic academic education, Independent schools also have extracurricular opportunities that help nurture personal and social growth. This will give students a more rounded outlook on life and give awareness of their civic responsibility. For example, opportunities can include athletics, artistic pursuits and other area which help develop leadership skills. In offering such a rounded education, they not only have incredible academic facilities such as, state of the art classrooms, ICT centres and science laboratories, but they also have excellent sporting and artistic facilities.

Outstanding Future Prospects

Students that go to Independent schools are more likely to go onto University and achieve better employment opportunities, with research conducted by Ipsos MORI revealing that 77% of people they surveyed believing this to be the case. In a nutshell an Independent education will provide your child with an education for a lifetime.

Peace of Mind

For parents and guardians enrolling your child into an Independent school will give you peace of mind. The flexibility of the curriculum and the option of your child boarding will leave you safe in the knowledge they are in a secure and rewarding educational environment. Also, there is zero tolerance on bad behaviour when compared to state schools, which will ease any parents concern about the environment their children are in.

So why should you choose an Independent school? Well if you want the best possible education and future for your children, the decision to choose an Independent school really seems like the right one. Deciding which school brings its own challenges and you should be urged to research the schools you are interested in. Good luck with your search and remember that Independent schooling offers an education for a lifetime.