Looking for an Independent School?

ISC has an advanced school search that will automatically send you a list of schools that match your criteria (subjects taught, activities, geographical location, financial assistance, day/boarding schools etc). The next task is to work through the list of suggested schools visiting school websites as well as reading the most recent inspection reports, all of which can be found on the ISC website.

After you’ve narrowed down the list of appropriate schools it is time to request prospectuses. Although both of these methods are very good it would seem that the best one is to get over to an open day.

Open days are really good for getting to know the school in order to help you make that important decision. One of the best things to do is to try and get a current pupil to give you a tour. The great thing about all of the current pupils is that they always give honest answers to any questions that you ask.

The Registrar is always on hand to answer any specific questions that you might have about the school. What are the average class sizes in your child’s age group? Are there any parents evenings where you can get together with the teachers to discuss? Who is the person that has sole responsibility over your child during the time there? Does the school have an Independent Sixth Form? Because there are so many questions it could be that research may be a good idea first. For the rest, the school will be happy to help.

Fee costs are always a worry for any parent. There are so many options out there for people to take advantage of. Most ISC schools offer school bursaries, scholarships or both. There are also various charitable trusts and grant giving organisations that offer funding for students with social need.