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://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912/page/46

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! 🌟

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 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.

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 👇

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://gsa.uk.com/event/83516/

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 👇

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://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912/page/38

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! 🌟

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://ow.ly/O7PY50YhBZQ

Connecting with the countryside can improve pupils’ prospects. Radley College has partnered with seven local schools to provide enrichment beyond the classroom, giving pupils increased independence and a sense of responsibility. #powerofpartnerships

STEM subjects are shaping our future and yet many young girls lack pathways into these areas. Through the Bright Girls, Bright Futures partnership, Nottingham Girls’ High School is working to expand opportunities in maths and science. Read more 👇 https://ow.ly/y91O50Z06xp

Berkhamsted School student releases EP to raise money for War Child UK Sixth form student Harry is releasing an EP entitled ‘Songs I Wrote on a Dog Walk’. Featuring 5 original songs and 2 covers, the EP aims to raise money for War Child UK. Congratulations to Harry!

On Tuesday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson visited Bedales School, where she met with head of school Will Goldsmith, and head of prep Clare Kirkham. Julie thoroughly enjoyed experiencing the Bedales learning community approach and their broad range of opportunities.

At the ISBA conference last week, Mark Taylor, chair of ISC, was presented with a mark of appreciation for his year's of distinguished service as an independent school bursar, including his tenure as chair of ISBA.

Across last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson attended the annual conferences of several of our associations and affiliate organisations. From COBIS, to ISBA and the ISA, Julie enjoyed her many thoughtful conversations with leaders and educators from across the sector.

Happy National Numeracy Day 🔢 More young people are leaving school without the numeracy skills needed for life. Schools and their communities can work together to change that. Find out more about available resources in the link below 👇 https://www.nationalnumeracy.org.uk/numeracyday

The ISC Digital Conference is one month away! If you’re part of the education sector and interested in issues such as academic integrity, ethical AI use and cyber security, this is the event for you. 📌 University of Roehampton 📆 Friday 19 June 🎟️ https://gsa.uk.com/event/83516/

Tackling disadvantage through partnerships. RGS Newcastle is collaborating with schools to reduce the attainment gap in Tyneside through a targeted and robust approach. Read more about their initiatives in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912/page/22

Young podcasters go behind the mic with science creator Big Manny 🎙️ This week’s Friday Feature shines a light on Sebastian and Dian from Cumnor House School. They recently interviewed the viral youtuber, gaining valuable insights for their own podcast, Cumnor Unwrapped 🌟

Boosting activity and participation in sports through partnerships. Students at Abingdon School run weekly coaching sessions for local primary school pupils, broadening access to a range of different sports. Read more through the link below 👇 https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912/page/42

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!

ISC schools employ more people than the city of Southampton 🤯 ISC schools contribute £6.1bn to the UK economy every year through staffing costs generated by 152,290 employees. Independent schools remain a key contributor to the UK’s economy.

“Academic success alone no longer guarantees entry to a fulfilling career.” Niamh Green, headmistress of Roedean School, writes about the importance of a whole-school approach to careers education in our latest blog. Read more here: https://ow.ly/AOQL50YWtt5

ISC had the pleasure of visiting Clifton High School last week to hear all about their innovative AI usage. Discussion focused on Clifton’s Skills for Tomorrow course, which prepares students to navigate the changing world with AI. Thank you Clifton!

It’s Mental Health Awareness Week! With this year’s theme of 'action', the Mental Health Foundation is encouraging us to ask: what can we do to build mentally healthy schools and communities? Through action we can build real change. #MentalHealthAwarenessWeek

Students at St Paul’s are set to take their revolutionary safety alarm global. Following their success in the Young Enterprise Competition, the pupils plan to relaunch their product as an independent start-up this summer. Read more here: https://ow.ly/GTMc50YXjt9

In an exciting new initiative, The Leys School has launched a term-long trial of the Inkling AI Avatar Tutor for Year 10 students, with the aim of strengthening pupils’ analysis and supporting their progress towards exams ⭐ #FridayFeature

Inspiring and uplifting students through partnership. In 2014, the Coastal Schools Partnership was established to develop initiatives that would empower young people. Find out more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912

“There’s a real danger that it makes children far more socially excluded.” Jonathan Hetherington, head of More House School and chair of ISA, warns of the negative impact the government's SEND reforms could have on pupils' self-confidence. https://ow.ly/1vBB50YVpp7

Last Friday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson was the speaker at Islington Collegiate Sixth Form’s graduation, where she focused on finding success in life through motivation, networks and a positive attitude. Congratulations to all those graduating from Islington Collegiate Sixth Form!

Partnerships are helping to save languages. Several independent schools have collaborated to launch an innovative language learning programme, offering curriculum resources completely free of charge. Read more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 https://ow.ly/SC7H50YehOp

Last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson attended an event alongside Layla Moran MP, chair of the Health and Social Care Committee. The ISC would like to thank Layla Moran for her time, and for the opportunity to discuss the committee’s work on SEND and mental health.

Every child should have access to a range of enrichment opportunities. At Bedales, they are making this a reality, providing regular enrichment days to enhance student learning. Read more in our Celebrating Partnerships booklet 👇 https://ow.ly/2tY950YeeFm

Teddies Up! This week’s Friday feature focuses on St Edward’s School Oxford, which has launched a new community partnership initiative that focuses on developing confidence and building friendships in Year 6 pupils from local primary schools. #FridayFeature

What is the impact of your independent school on the national and local economy? Through the ISC member zone, schools can assess how much they contribute to both the local and national economy. To find out more, follow the link below 👇 https://ow.ly/F1y250Yc9QT

Should our qualifications focus on more than exam preparation? In our latest blog, Will Goldsmith, head of Bedales, explains his school’s in-house qualification that combines academic study with creative and research-based components. Read more here: https://ow.ly/Jxa650YSjlX

ISC visits Copthorne Prep. On Tuesday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson visited Copthorne, where she explored the school grounds and held an informative meeting with Kylie McGregor, head of the prep school. Thank you to all those at Copthorne for making the visit a huge success!

Last Saturday, ISC CEO Julie Robinson gave a speech at the National Muslim Teachers’ Awards, which recognise and celebrate the achievements of Muslim educators across the UK. Julie’s speech focused on the theme of transformational leadership in independent schools.

ISC schools welcomed 102,544 new pupils last year. While this represents a 5.2% drop from the previous year, ISC schools continue to be a first-rate destination for pupils. The ISC looks forward to welcoming all new pupils to the sector in September 2026 🥳

Belonging in independent schools. Luke Ramsden, deputy head of St Benedict’s School, has written our latest blog, in which he explores how the independent sector is well placed to respond to the challenge of pupil wellbeing. Read in full here: https://ow.ly/8X6650YQVTi

ISC at Brambletye School! Last week, ISC CEO Julie Robinson and public affairs manager Tacho Onuluk, visited Brambletye alongside local MP Mims Davies, where they had several productive conversations. We’d like to thank everyone at Brambletye for such a warm welcome.

Let’s talk about online privacy. Read our latest blog by Gary Henderson, chair of the ISC digital advisory group, who talks us through the importance of early intervention and open dialogue when it comes to online privacy. Read Gary’s full blog here: https://ow.ly/pYFJ50YOTFe

Partnerships are key to AI awareness 🔑 At King’s School Rochester, they are collaborating with 4 local primary schools to identify areas for the safe and ethical use of AI. Find out more in the ISC’s Celebrating Partnerships handbook 👇 https://ow.ly/hZR050Yc8JA

The Friday Feature is back! ⭐ This week we’re highlighting St Swithun’s School, where sixth-form students have helped to produce and prepare nearly 900 meals for the local community. Congratulations to all those involved in the project! #FridayFeature

ISC schools provided more than £1.1bn in fee assistance last year, over £500m of which was means-tested. Over half of all pupils on means-tested bursaries have more than half of their fees remitted, and many pay no fees at all!

Celebrating sustainability on Earth Day 🌍 In our latest blog, we learn about the sustainability initiatives that are making a difference at Halcyon London International School, both inside and outside the classroom. Read all about it here: https://ow.ly/Fq4m50YNR8N

VAT on independent school fees has had a devastating impact on the Scottish economy. A new report has found that the tax has already cost the economy £60 million, with this set to rise to an annual rate of almost £200 million by 2035. Read the full report here: https://ow.ly/6nsU50YNQeA

ISC schools contribute £14.1bn to the UK economy. According to data from Oxford Economics, the contribution of independent schools is equivalent to the total economic activity generated by a city the size of Sheffield 🚀

Online safety in an era of AI. In our newest blog, Queenswood showcase the collaborative policies and practices they’re implementing to ensure online safety across the school body, from parents and governors through to pupils and support staff. Read more here: https://ow.ly/gcRU50YNk7M