Independent Schools Council

Today the ISC has published its 2026 Census.

The figures illustrate the challenging circumstances under which schools are currently operating.

However, they also show the resilience of a sector that is adapting and diversifying in response to these challenges.

The ISC will continue to champion schools that are working hard to expand opportunities, expertise and support that parents value.

The link to the full Census can be found below 👇

https://www.isc.co.uk/media/5rmduu0j/2026-06-isc-census-2026.pdf

National Writing Day 2026: A celebration of a lifelong skill empowering communication and self-expression.

Only 1 in 4 children aged 8 to 18 enjoy writing in their free time. Only 1 in 10 say that they write something daily in their free time.

These statistics from the National Literacy Trust illustrate the need to encourage everyone, especially young people, to find their own writing voice.

Writing is an invaluable skill. It encourages creativity and boosts self-confidence. It can also be a form of support for young people, allowing them to express their thoughts and feelings.

Starting early is crucial. Evidence shows that early experiences of writing have a significant influence on a person’s views and feelings towards writing as they get older. Currently, 1 in 3 children leave primary school without the writing skills they need to succeed in life.

To help turn this around, the National Literacy Trust has provided a range of classroom-based resources to celebrate writing and encourage everyone to find their own motivation.

Click the link in the comments to find out more 👇

A night of celebration for heads, teachers and schools who go above and beyond for their children and communities.

Julie Robinson, ISC CEO, attended the Tes Awards last Friday and presented Headteacher of the Year (Independent) to Michelle Catterson of Moon Hall School.

Congratulations to all of this year's winners and nominees!

Last Friday, the ISC and the Girls’ Schools Association hosted their annual digital conference at the University of Roehampton.

The day centred on the theme of ‘human strategy, digital excellence’, featuring a range of insightful speakers and lively discussions among education leaders.

Highlights included Professor Miles Berry’s talk on academic misconduct in the age of AI, and a panel discussion with several directors of digital learning on embedding an AI strategy in their schools.

A huge thank you to all who attended, to our sponsors, and to Gary Henderson, chair of the ISC digital advisory group, for his work in organising the day.

We look forward to seeing you next year!

Joining forces 🫡

Students and staff from the JCB Academy have teamed up with Denstone College's CCF cohort.

The two schools share resources, expand opportunities and take part in joint field trips, including a recent excursion to Altcar Training Camp in Liverpool, where they participated in a week-long assault course.

By coming together, schools are teaching pupils valuable teamwork and leadership skills that will benefit them for life.

Read more about the importance of CCF on pages 62-65 of our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇

https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912/page/64

This week’s Friday Feature highlights Highfield and Brookham School, which has won the prestigious Gold Green Tree Schools Award 🏆

Set within 175 acres on the edge of the South Downs National Park, the school has been awarded the Woodland Trust’s coveted Gold Award. The achievement reflects years of genuine, pupil-led environmental commitment.

Sustainability and nature is woven into the fabric of everyday life at Highfield and Brookham. Pre-prep children are encouraged to explore the school’s wellbeing garden, whilst Year 7 and 8 pupils take cross-country PE lessons through woodland trails.

The school has also successfully cut its carbon footprint through their on-site biomass facility as well as by dropping the heating by one degree across the school.

The school’s head, Suzannah Cryer, says the achievement belongs to everyone: “Our children have genuinely taken ownership of their environment, led initiatives, and made real change happen.”

With Gold secured, Highfield and Brookham now sets its sights on Platinum! 🌟

On National Thank a Teacher Day, Lawrence Collins, head of Heathfield Knoll School, writes for our blog on the importance of showing gratitude to those who educate us.

Relationships with our teachers are not transactional; they are fundamental to our development as individuals.

No matter the length of time since your school days, there will always be a teacher who remains prominent in your memory and who helped shape you into who you are today.

As Lawrence writes, a thank-you often goes a long way toward making someone feel appreciated.

So if you can, say thank you to a teacher past or present today, and remember all that they do for you and for others.

Read the full blog through the link below 👇

Make sure to thank your teachers today!

Teachers and support staff work all year round, providing the most for millions of children and young people.

In return for their dedication, we should value and celebrate their great work.

Comment below with a thank you to a teacher past or present 👇

North East England has seen the biggest decline in independent school pupil numbers.

New figures from the ISC’s forthcoming Census show that the percentage of pupils declined by 6.4% across the region last year.

This is almost double the national average across England and higher than the figures for Wales and Scotland.

In every region bar one, the rate of decline has increased from 2025, demonstrating the continued impact of VAT on fees.

New skills, fresh beats 🎵

Creative experiences and music in particular can have a transformative impact on pupil engagement and confidence.

This is especially true in schools that have limited access to resources and co-curricular activities.

It's for this reason that Emanuel School in London has launched an exciting DJing partnership.

Every Monday, Emanuel’s director of music visits primary schools across South London to teach an introductory DJ course to groups of students. Throughout the course, pupils learn how to beat match, loop and identify track structure.

At the end of the course, pupils perform their own set in the iconic XOYO nightclub in London and sit the new ABRSM DJ exam, being some of the first in the world to gain such a qualification.

The benefits to pupils are enormous. Not only is their confidence boosted through the roof, but they are also able to gain a better sense of who they are and who they might become.

Emanuel’s partnership is featured on pages 48-49 of our Celebrating Partnerships booklet, which you can read in full below 👇

https://ow.ly/8J5550Yi3U6