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Independent Schooling

There are approximately 2,300 schools in the UK which are independent of local or central government control. These schools obtain most of their finances from fees paid by parents and income from investment.

Just over half of all independent schools have charitable status. Most of them have their own boards of governors and a bursar who is responsible for financial and other aspects of school management. Any surplus income is used for the benefit of the school.

Many schools provide help for children whose first language is not English, and special tuition is available. Guardianship arrangements are available for those whose families live outside the United Kingdom, and many other practical details such as transport to and from airports are looked after by the schools, working in partnership with the parents.

Independent schools have the freedom to experiment and innovate and many of them have individual skills and strengths to complement the general excellence that is the hallmark of the sector. The schools appoint their own staff and develop their own policies; they have flexibility to adapt to changing circumstances and to respond to new initiatives; they can use their resources to meet particular needs and to provide facilities in keeping with modern standards. Children coming from European and other countries are welcomed into the school communities.

UK independent schools achieve the highest academic standards. Evidence from the Department for Education and Skills (DfES) suggests that pupils at all levels of ability do better in independent schools. More than 80% of pupils at independent schools gain five or more GCSE passes at grades A-C compared to a national average of 49%. Independent school performance at A-Level is equally impressive and 90% of leavers from independent schools go on to higher education.