Careers learning starts with understanding yourself.
This is the approach taken by Heathfield Knoll School, who have created an inclusive set of activities that recognises and celebrates the diversity of skills pupils have.
Read more here: https://ow.ly/LoTw50Yq2IX
Where do students from ISC schools go next?
The vast majority of pupils from our member schools go on to higher education, many to top universities in the UK and abroad 🎓
From Oxbridge to apprenticeships, our students are charting ambitious futures.
Happy World Book Day! 📚
Reading is vital to children’s wellbeing.
HMC has championed this through its Moonshot partnership with E-ACT and Bishop Chadwick Catholic Education Trust, which aims to ensure every child leaves school reading at or above their age.
Read more 👇
https://ow.ly/qOIw50Yp2ey
The impact of independent specialist schools extends beyond the balance sheet.
In a new blog, Michelle Catterson, head of Moon Hall School, highlights the positive impact of SEND schools on pupils and local communities.
Read the full blog here: https://ow.ly/Gok850Yos47
A partnership to improve access to STEM education.
The Hg Foundation is addressing the critical gap in STEM education by partnering independent schools with groups of state schools, reducing inequality within education and creating pathways into the tech industry.
https://www.thehgfoundation.com/
Do you know a lawyer?
For many students, the answer is no.
ISC schools are collaborating with state partners, offering careers guidance and networking opportunities to bridge the gap between a student’s education and their future.
Read more below 👇
https://ow.ly/MFxF50Y4KI0
Independent schools give back to their communities 🤲
ISC schools raised £9.5m for charity in 2024, with 206,319 pupils participating in volunteering opportunities.
Read more about this inspiring work in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇
https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912
ISC blog: 'The proposed four-tier SEND system risks a flattening out of need'
Lawrence Collins, head of Heathfield Knoll School, highlights the success of his school’s Connect base and the risks posed by new SEND reforms.
Read the full blog here: https://ow.ly/bLAO50YmjHF
Pupils receiving SEND support rises in independent schools ⬆️
In 2025, 117,618 pupils received SEND support in ISC schools.
Of those, 9,471 had an EHCP, an increase of 24% from 2024.
Independent schools continue to ensure that students have the support they need to succeed in school.
The ISC has issued a statement following the release of the Schools White Paper 📄
ISC CEO Julie Robinson highlights the diversity of our schools and calls for greater clarity on the proposals for SEND reform.
Read the full statement here: https://ow.ly/1tWS50YkX8A
ISC CEO Julie Robinson has responded to reports that the government will announce price bands for independent special needs provision next week.
Speaking to iNews, Ms Robinson defended the quality of care in independent special schools.
Read her comments in full 👇
https://ow.ly/WgHw50YiOeL
25,000 pupils have left independent schools since July 2024.
This is eight times the figure predicted by the government 📈
We will continue to monitor the trend in pupil numbers ahead of the publication of our 2026 Census.
Embrace nature to improve wellbeing in students.
At Fairfield Prep School, outdoor learning a key part of everyday life. Students are encouraged to spend time cloud gazing and even engage in a spot of yoga.
Read more in our latest blog 👇
https://ow.ly/eIGK50YeY9q
Reducing screen time through an innovative partnership.
Sidcot School has collaborated with Ocean Adventurers to launch the ‘Offline Adventure’ movement, taking pressure off parents during the holidays.
Click the link to learn more ⬇️
https://ow.ly/nmXg50YeY6M
We go further when we work together 🤝
Across the country, independent and state schools collaborate on initiatives that have a real impact on pupils and local communities.
Read our Celebrating Partnerships booklet to find out more 👇
https://ow.ly/uKKh50Y5oBa
Presence and understanding are fundamental to wellbeing.
At Blanchelande College, staff have recognised this by creating the Emmaus Space, a dedicated area for students to reflect and talk with others.
To learn more, click the link below 👇
https://ow.ly/I2VF50Yee0C
The power of student voice.
More House School has recently launched a Wellbeing Hub following a consultation with students.
The space allows pupils to manage pressure and build resilience.
Click the link below to read more 👇
https://ow.ly/ZEkY50YecV1
Wellbeing as a foundation for learning.
This is the approach of Beaulieu Convent School, which is providing pupils with the skills to thrive through education, partnership and understanding.
Read more in our latest blog post 👇
https://ow.ly/reS550YcVRC
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
‘This is my place’
The theme for this year’s #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek is being realised at King William’s College and The Buchan School through activities that promote belonging and connection.
Read our latest blog to learn more 👇
https://ow.ly/eqFp50YcS10
Young people are starting a conversation on mental health 💭
Pupils at Quinton House School have used their latest For Students By Students conference to explore ways to destigmatise discussions about mental health.
Read more in our Celebrating Partnerships Booklet 👇
Resilience and self-belief are vital skills.
At Liberty Woodland School, pupils are learning these skills in an environment built on trust and mutual respect.
Read more about how the school is equipping pupils to thrive 👇
https://ow.ly/Uu7z50Yc835
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
A pupil-led initiative is building a safer online world 🔐
The Digital Leaders Programme at Milton Abbey School is promoting responsible use of technology while raising awareness of digital wellbeing.
Read more about its impact in our latest blog ⬇️
https://ow.ly/7gzM50Yc6Xg
#SaferInternetDay
How can Lego improve wellbeing in schools?
Elmhurst School's Big Build Challenge develops character amongst pupils by encouraging them to collaborate, take risks and be curious.
Learn more about the impact on wellbeing in our latest blog 👇
https://ow.ly/R8Av50YbKVg
#ChildrensMentalHealthWeek
Amid rising demand for mental health support, schools must go beyond ad hoc initiatives and create in-built systems that pupils trust.
Step in Worksop College, which has developed the Willow Hub for that very purpose.
Read more in our new blog 👇
https://ow.ly/BFq550YbCcj
This week it’s #ChildrensMentalHealthWeek.
To mark it, the ISC will be celebrating several partnerships from schools that are making a positive difference.
With over 250,000 children waiting on mental health support, these partnerships are key to reducing that figure.
ISC is delighted to announce that Mark Taylor has become permanent chair of the Independent Schools Council 🎉
Mark initially took on the role on an interim basis in March 2025, leading the ISC through a seismic year.
Join us in congratulating Mark on his appointment 👏
The ISC represents schools with a pupil size of 7 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.
A global reach 🌍
There are more than 86,000 pupils educated at ISC affiliated schools overseas.
Many ISC schools have become international hubs, partnering with education providers to offer students an excellent learning experience.
AI is transforming classrooms 🤖
To keep pace, schools are collaborating to share best practice.
For example, Epsom College has launched the AI in Education charity with Bourne Education Trust, offering schools a structured approach to AI integration.
ISC chair, bursar, and tank commander.
These are the many faces of Mark Taylor.
Mark is featured in this month's Independent Schools Magazine, where he considers the challenges and opportunities for the sector.
Read more below 👇
https://ow.ly/kEF250Y1HnA
