Independent Schools Council

The ISC brings together seven associations to represent over 1,400 independent schools, educating more than 500,000 children. RT/quotes do not = endorsement.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

This week’s Friday Feature celebrates Walthamstow’s recent Science Week, opened by pioneering fertility expert Professor Robert Winston and run in collaboration with seven local schools 🌟

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

🚨 One week to go! Don’t miss #ISCDig26 💻

Come along to the ISC Digital Conference, where human strategy meets digital excellence.

📌 University of Roehampton
📆 Friday 19 June

🎟️ Final tickets are going fast. Get yours today 👇

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Why is a strong independent sector important for Britain?

Speaking on Politics Live yesterday, ISC head of comms Sarah Cunnane provided three succinct reasons:

1. It reduces pressure on the state sector.
2. It offers diversity of choice.
3. It provides soft power abroad.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Students are leaving independent schools at key transition points.

ISC’s 2026 Census data reveals the start of primary, secondary and sixth form saw the largest percentage drops in pupil numbers.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

📌 https://t.co/tOymTU4BDP

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

As a summer of sport awaits the UK, partnerships are helping to inspire young people.

Our latest blog by Dr Margaret Hunnaball, director of programmes and research at the School Partnerships Alliance, discusses the potential for these partnerships to shape lives 👇

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

New figures reveal a sharp decline in independent school pupil numbers.

The imposition of VAT continues to have a significant impact on schools, families and pupils alike, restricting choice and creating uncertainty.

The ISC will publish its full census in the coming weeks.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Independent schools such as Lichfield Cathedral School are widening access to the arts through partnerships, at a time when provision in the state sector is under pressure.

Read more about LCS’s extensive singing programme below 👇

https://t.co/LYKVgnYsCg

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

This week's Friday Feature celebrates The Grammar School at Leeds’ ongoing partnership with Child Friendly Leeds and Leeds City Museum, which creates free, enriching experiences for families across the city.

What an amazing initiative! 🌟

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

The ISC represents schools with a pupil size of seven through to 2,400.

Of these, over half have less than 400 pupils and 3/4 have fewer than 511 pupils.

We will continue to champion the diversity of independent schools and their contributions to their communities.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

📌https://t.co/Ju8q0jCFoB

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Independent schools have lost 30,000 pupils since the introduction of VAT on fees, new ISC figures show.

Speaking on the Today programme this morning, ISC CEO Julie Robinson called for greater recognition of the work independent schools do in their communities.

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

📌 https://t.co/HYVPGoF2OY

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

What can independent schools do to support young people into work?

In light of Alan Milburn’s interim report, Helen Pike, master of Magdalen College School, exemplifies how her school’s partnerships are supporting young people across the community.

Full article below 👇

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

The ISC Digital Conference is less than a month away!

If you’re part of the education sector and interested in issues such as academic integrity and cyber security, this is the event for you.

📌 University of Roehampton
📆 Friday 19 June
🎟️ https://t.co/5nP9FArsdB

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

📌 https://t.co/RPziP5ryun

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Larger independent schools are beginning to close post VAT on fees, according to new analysis.

The average capacity of a closed mainstream school hit 222 pupils in 2025, rising 36% from 2024 and 62% from 2019.

Read the full article in the comments below 👇

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Alleviating teacher shortages through partnerships.

Yarm School’s Microbits Teaching Programme, which operates across 8 schools in the Tees Valley, is providing key digital skills and ideas for teachers and pupils alike.

Read more below 👇

https://t.co/Vy7sxjvdIv

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

This week’s Friday Feature celebrates the St Michael’s Prep science team!

Placing 18th out of 100+ schools in the National Science Quiz Club Championships, they demonstrated impressive teamwork and knowledge throughout.

Congratulations to everyone involved! 🌟

[Independent Schools Council @ISC_schools]

Cross-sector partnerships can equip pupils with digital responsibility.

St Benedict’s School welcomes local state schools to their AI safeguarding conference, ensuring key knowledge and resources are freely accessible to all.

Read more below 👇

https://t.co/FAlrlhqfzy