Independent Schools Council

We are thrilled to announce our first keynote speaker for our upcoming Independent Schools SEND Conference- Amjad Ali!

Amjad's keynote will explore how inclusive teaching can benefit all learners in the classroom. Drawing on the latest evidence, delegates will leave with practical strategies to take back to school.

We look forward to welcoming Amjad and our brilliant delegates to the conference.

📅 Friday 27 November 2026
📍 Park Plaza Victoria London,SW1V 1EQ

Further information as well as how to book can be found on our website here: https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/independent-schools-council-send-conference-in-association-with-iaps2026.html

Thank you to our Headline Sponsor, Quest Assessments for their support with the Conference.

This week, we're celebrating students at Milton Abbey School, who have earned national recognition for their AI online safety film.

Together, they created a thought-provoking film exploring artificial intelligence and online safety, and were awarded third place in Childnet's national Film Competition.

This success reflects the school's long-running commitment to digital citizenship through its Digital Leaders programme, which has been empowering students for more than five years.

For this year's competition, the students chose to focus on AI and dating, recognising its growing influence on young people's lives. As Greg P, a lower sixth student, explained: "I think AI is an up-and-coming thing. It's going to be quite influential in people our age, and it's important to inform people our age about it."

By creating the film, the students have not only raised awareness of the opportunities and risks associated with AI but have also encouraged meaningful conversations about responsible technology use across the wider school community.

A huge well done to all involved! 👏

"If this year has taught me anything, it's that we've been asking the wrong question."

A year into her role as head of Bedales Prep, Clare Kirkham reflects on the curriculum, childhood, and what it really means to support children on their educational journey.

"Instead of asking how we prepare children for the future, perhaps we should ask how we give them the kind of childhood that helps them thrive when that future comes."

Read the full blog on our website: https://ow.ly/CShJ50ZzTIS

A huge well done to all students receiving exam results today! 👏

Save the date! 📆

We are thrilled to announce that the annual Independent Schools SEND Conference will be taking place this year on Friday 27th November 2026 at Park Plaza Victoria, London.

We are delighted to be working in partnership with IAPS for the Conference, and look forward to welcoming delegates back for another day filled with engaging keynotes and seminars and important conversations.

Bookings are now open on the IAPS website, and the programme will be released shortly.

https://iaps.uk/cpd/ems-event-calendar/independent-schools-council-send-conference-in-association-with-iaps2026.html

See you there!

Did you know you can find ISC schools in your local area using the search tool on our website? isc.co.uk/schools

You can refine your search by boarding/day schools, age range, fee assistance options and more!

Independent schools give back to their communities 👐

Last year, ISC schools raised at least £9.1m for charity, and 196,021 pupils from 963 schools participated in volunteering opportunities.

Find out more in our latest census!

Students at ISC schools pursue a wide range of bright futures ⭐

The overwhelming majority go on to higher education, many to top universities in the UK and abroad 🎓

Independent schools don’t just prepare pupils for exams, they equip them with the curiosity, confidence, and critical thinking to thrive in higher education and the workplace.

From Oxbridge to apprenticeships, our students are charting ambitious futures.

Independent schools are expanding their partnerships with state schools, providing the best possible opportunities for all students.

Sport partnerships are the most represented, with nearly 1,000 ISC schools involved in these collaborative programmes.

Art partnerships have also grown over the past year. More schools are seconding teaching staff to state schools, providing dedicated teaching in subjects that are under threat due to a lack of specialists.

Independent schools are a vital part of the wider education ecosystem and will continue to support the government’s education priorities.

Bursaries and fee assistance schemes can have a transformational impact, shaping the lives of thousands of students.

In 2025 alone, ISC schools provided 36,676 means-tested bursaries, with a total value of £538.5 million.

183,705 ISC pupils – more than a third of the overall population – receive some form of fee assistance.

ISC schools are demonstrating their ongoing commitment to providing life-changing educational opportunities.