Independent education offers a number of advantages for parents looking to choose the right school for their child. The high quality of teaching, discipline and an environment which enables children to take a responsible attitude to their work are some of the reasons why the sector continues to flourish. ISC 2007 annual census statistics for pupil numbers attest this fact, and while the number of school-aged children in the UK has fallen, numbers in the independent sector continue to rise.
So what makes an ISC school so attractive?
After-hours care, a range of great indoor and outdoor activities and excellent sports are some of the reasons. Lower pupil/teacher ratios also mean your child will receive the specially tailored attention they need. Students enjoy the lowest ever ratios with one teacher for every 9.7 pupils.
Choice is another reason why parents independently educate their child. Parents can chose from coeducation or single sex education and boarding is popular. Indeed, with a range of different boarding styles now on offer, pupils can board with the flexibility expected by many parents in the 21st century.
There is a common misconception that independent education remains the choice for the privileged elite. A recent survey carried out by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) found that 43,000 (9.3% of pupils) live in postcodes where the average income is below the national average. An additional 66,700 live in postcodes where the income is approximately equivalent to the national average. This proves that many parents from lower and middle incomes are prepared to make the financial sacrifices to secure a better education for their child.
To help with costs many schools offer some form of financial assistance like scholarships and bursaries. During 2007, 160,023 pupils at ISC schools (31.43%) received helped with their fees in 2007. The majority of these received scholarships or bursaries from their school. The value of this assistance was over £300 million.
The sector is also experiencing the largest number of pupils ever going on to higher education with 92.9% of post A-level pupils going to university.
|
