Introduction
The independent sector prides itself in offering those things that parents value: high expectations, small class sizes, excellent discipline, a strong work ethic and outstanding results. Combine this with the many and varied extra and co curricular opportunities, the nurturing of a sense of self and of social responsibility, all facilitated by committed, dedicated staff, supported by parents who want to be involved, and underpinned by the willingness, determination, co-operation and sheer good humour of the pupils and it is easy to see why the British independent sector is second to none in turning out highly educated, principled, successful young adults, who strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.
Independent school education is not just about academic qualifications, although these are undeniably important. It is not only about developing a joy for learning for its own sake, although once someone falls in love with learning it will be a lifelong relationship. No, education is about creating the future: helping children to become the doctors, lawyers, artists, musicians, sportspeople, parents, citizens and leaders of tomorrow.
Leaders of tomorrow
It is not about preparing your children for today's world. Rather it is about equipping them for how the world will be when they are in charge. The independent sector has the advantage of not being forced to conform to every politically imposed initiative. Schools are free to respond to the pupils' real needs and act always in their best interests. And these schools, in partnership with you the parents, empower children by providing them with the portfolio of skills they will need to navigate a rapidly changing world.
In a world where individuals will have to adapt quickly to change, children are encouraged to be self -ufficient learners, able to develop and expand their knowledge as the need arises. They learn to be team players, self aware, self disciplined, able to cope with uncertainty, understand how to motivate, how to empathise, how to lead, how to follow.
They learn these key skills, so vital for a successful future, in the classroom and laboratory, trekking through a jungle on World Challenge, setting up a business in Young Enterprise, walking in the pouring rain on a Duke of Edinburgh Award expedition, winning or losing the match, or struggling with the second violin part in the orchestra. In the independent sector there is the expertise and the resources to take a holistic view and to educate the whole person.
Thinking of others
Each year schools in the independent sector raise thousands of pounds for charitable organisations and pupils spend many hours caring for and supporting those who need their help through Community Service programmes. Many schools encourage this because of a present or historic religious link, or simply because they recognise that an emphasis on ethical and social education is imperative if the leaders of tomorrow have a well positioned moral compass.
The independent sector is not a hot bed of privilege. Most pupils come from very ordinary homes and many independent schools are providing increasing numbers of bursaries to enable boys and girls of many different backgrounds to benefit from all that is on offer. Each school you read about in this publication will be different in some way and you have the exciting, if daunting, task, as you visit a variety of schools, of choosing which environment is right for your child.
Making the Right Choice aims to help you in your search for the right school
Click a category from the navigation bar at the top of this page to continue browsing this website and find out more about the independent schools in your area.
Share or bookmark this with...
Facebook 
del.icio.us 
Digg 
Reddit 
StumbleUpon 
Furl