Addressing
common
myths about
independent
schools
Assumptions about independent
schools are far too often based
on outdated stereotypes. Our
sector is very different from the
common portrayal, which tends
to present schools as inhabiting
sprawling estates, with pupils
who dress in top hats and tails. In
reality independent schools are
diverse and more accessible than
you might think. So, it’s time to
bust some myths and common
misconceptions…
MYTH:
All independent schools are large
old-fashioned boarding schools
Fact: 87% of pupils at our schools are day
pupils. There are 476 schools that ofer some
boarding and just 12 ISC schools that are
100% boarding.
The ISC represents over 1,300 schools with
real diversity of provision. ISC schools vary
signifcantly in size from having fewer than
50 pupils to over 2,400, although half of all
schools have fewer than 300 pupils. Over
15% of pupils at ISC schools have special
educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
We have a wide range of schools in our
membership including schools to support
pupils specifcally with SEND, music schools
as well as drama, dance and sports-focussed
schools. Specialist provision at independent
schools means that our country’s education
ofering is broader and has greater capacity
than it would otherwise.
MYTH:
Independent school fees
are about £40,000 a year
Fact: The average day school fee is
£14,500 a year – a lot of money, yes, but
many hard-working families make tough
fnancial choices in order to support their
children in this way. And that is the
average fgure – nearly two thirds cost less
than this and fees also vary by region.
The numbers often quoted are for
boarding schools where the total cost
combines both tuition and boarding fees
(which state boarding schools charge too).
The vast majority of independent schools
are small.
MYTH:
Independent schools are full
of children from rich families
Fact: There is socio-economic diversity at
independent schools. Many families
make huge sacrifces in order to pay fees
for their children to attend.
Our schools are committed to further
widening access. They do everything they
can to ofer help with fees, so children
can access an independent school
education whatever their background.
Last year alone, one in 13 pupils was on
a means-tested bursary, with schools
providing more than £420 million in
means-tested fee assistance.
Schools ofer help with fees because
having a broad social mix that refects our
society is very important.
MYTH:
Independent schools
are being kept afloat
by international students
Fact: There are 29,000 non-British
pupils at ISC schools whose parents live
overseas – that’s about 5% of the total
pupil number.
We welcome international students.
They bring a global perspective, enrich
the school community and improve the
international community’s view of the
UK. They are also a vital pipeline for
British universities. Research shows that
these non-British pupils account for
£1.26 billion of GDP and support
£390 million of tax revenue per year.
MYTH:
Independent schools
have few ethnic minority pupils
Fact: Our annual census shows 33.8%
of pupils at ISC schools in England are
from ethnic minorities. Data from the
Department for Education shows a
similar pattern for state schools – where
32.2% of pupils are from ethnic
minorities.
You can read our census, as well as all of
the other research reports and
information about the independent
schools sector at www.isc.co.uk.
MYTH:
Independent schools
are all highly selective
Fact: Only half of our schools are
academically selective.
Independent schools place great value
on providing a broad all-round
education, including learning
opportunities outside the classroom
and outstanding pastoral care.
Helping to develop soft skills is hugely
important, and we know from
independent research that pupils at our
schools are confdent and like a
challenge. Independent schools are
well known for delivering character
education and supporting wellbeing.
MYTH:
Independent schools
don’t contribute to the country
Fact: Independent schools put into society
far more than they take out. They save the
taxpayer £3.5 billion each year through
the education of children and young people
outside of state schools.
Across the UK’s independent schools
sector, schools contribute in the region
of £13.7 billion to the economy and
generate £4.1 billion in tax annually,
as well as supporting 303,000 jobs.
84% of ISC schools work in partnership with
state schools on a wide range of educational
projects, which unlock new teaching and
learning experiences for those involved.
Constituent Associations
Girls’ Schools Association
Headmasters’ and Headmistresses’ Conference
Independent Association of Prep Schools
Independent Schools Association
The Society of Heads
Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools
The Independent Schools’ Bursars Association
Affiliated Associations
Boarding Schools’ Association
Council of British International Schools
Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Welsh Independent Schools Council
Independent Schools Council
First Floor, 27 Queen Anne’s Gate, London SW1H 9BU
020 7766 7070
www.isc.co.uk
A Company Limited by Guarantee. Registered in England and Wales No. 1103760