Home - Guide - Independent Schools Council

The Independent Schools Council exists to promote and advocate high quality independent school education in the United Kingdom, its worth to individuals and its value to society.

In co-operation with its seven constituent associations, the Council works to ensure that the values and interests of independent schools are fairly and accurately represented to Government, and in political and public debate and the media.

Through its operationally independent inspection service, it seeks to ensure maintenance of the highest educational and professional standards in schools, and provides other professional services and support required equally by member schools and associations.

A school must pass an Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) accreditation inspection to qualify for membership of an association within ISC. Schools are evaluated on their educational standards (including attainment, learning and behaviour), quality of teaching, assessment and recording, curriculum and extra-curricular activities, staffing, premises and resources, links with parents and the community, pupils’ personal development and pastoral care, management, efficiency, aims and ethos.

ISC schools are subject to rigorous inspection every six years, based on criteria approved by Ofsted and recognised by the Government. ISI also carries out statutory functions on behalf of central government to ensure standards required by law are met and enable schools to remain registered with the Department for Education & Employment.