Independent Schools Council
@isc-schools.bsky.social
The ISC brings together seven associations to represent over 1,400 independent schools, educating more than 500,000 children. RT/quotes do not = endorsement.
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!
You can refine your search by boarding/day schools, age range, fee assistance options and more!
December 18, 2025 at 4:08 PM
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!
You can refine your search by boarding/day schools, age range, fee assistance options and more!
ISC co-hosted a parliamentary drop-in session on SEND reform last week with vice chair of the SEND APPG Greg Stafford MP.
With major reforms expected to be announced in the new year, it was helpful for schools, special needs organisations and parliamentarians to share insights in advance.
With major reforms expected to be announced in the new year, it was helpful for schools, special needs organisations and parliamentarians to share insights in advance.
December 10, 2025 at 11:00 AM
ISC co-hosted a parliamentary drop-in session on SEND reform last week with vice chair of the SEND APPG Greg Stafford MP.
With major reforms expected to be announced in the new year, it was helpful for schools, special needs organisations and parliamentarians to share insights in advance.
With major reforms expected to be announced in the new year, it was helpful for schools, special needs organisations and parliamentarians to share insights in advance.
"When I went to my first local heads meeting, I was told that the wives were next door in the library."
ISC CEO Julie Robinson is no stranger to challenging stereotypes.
Read about how her experiences have shaped her into the leader she is today ⬇️
https://ow.ly/qT4e50XGbE4
ISC CEO Julie Robinson is no stranger to challenging stereotypes.
Read about how her experiences have shaped her into the leader she is today ⬇️
https://ow.ly/qT4e50XGbE4
Julie Robinson: ‘Leaders have a responsibility to be positive’
In our How I Lead series, we ask education leaders to reflect on their careers, their experience and their leadership philosophy. This month we talk to Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council
ow.ly
December 9, 2025 at 2:02 PM
"When I went to my first local heads meeting, I was told that the wives were next door in the library."
ISC CEO Julie Robinson is no stranger to challenging stereotypes.
Read about how her experiences have shaped her into the leader she is today ⬇️
https://ow.ly/qT4e50XGbE4
ISC CEO Julie Robinson is no stranger to challenging stereotypes.
Read about how her experiences have shaped her into the leader she is today ⬇️
https://ow.ly/qT4e50XGbE4
The ISC's new Celebrating Partnerships booklet is now live! 🎉
Read all about the inspiring collaborative programmes taking place between state and independent schools across the country 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/70... #schoolstogether #powerofpartnerships
Read all about the inspiring collaborative programmes taking place between state and independent schools across the country 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/70... #schoolstogether #powerofpartnerships
November 10, 2025 at 12:10 PM
The ISC's new Celebrating Partnerships booklet is now live! 🎉
Read all about the inspiring collaborative programmes taking place between state and independent schools across the country 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/70... #schoolstogether #powerofpartnerships
Read all about the inspiring collaborative programmes taking place between state and independent schools across the country 👇 publuu.com/flip-book/70... #schoolstogether #powerofpartnerships
ISC CEO Julie Robinson addressed 80 school leaders at a Dukes Education conference, speaking with Aatif Hassan, chairman and founder of Dukes Education Group.
October 4, 2025 at 8:00 AM
ISC CEO Julie Robinson addressed 80 school leaders at a Dukes Education conference, speaking with Aatif Hassan, chairman and founder of Dukes Education Group.
Did you know the ISC is a trade body? ISC doesn’t work alone. We have 7 associations in our membership, as well as 7 affiliate associations. We work closely to ensure independent schools are well supported as they deliver high-calibre education to children.
October 3, 2025 at 7:00 AM
Did you know the ISC is a trade body? ISC doesn’t work alone. We have 7 associations in our membership, as well as 7 affiliate associations. We work closely to ensure independent schools are well supported as they deliver high-calibre education to children.
“It was so good to be able to talk to HMC heads about the significant work ISC is doing to support and promote their schools.” - Mark Taylor, ISC Chair, attended the HMC (The Heads’ Conference) earlier this week
October 2, 2025 at 3:16 PM
“It was so good to be able to talk to HMC heads about the significant work ISC is doing to support and promote their schools.” - Mark Taylor, ISC Chair, attended the HMC (The Heads’ Conference) earlier this week
Meet Rosie, ISC's digital content manager 💻
Her role includes managing the ISC and Schools Together websites, supporting schools with Member Zone queries, helping parents find schools for their children, and more!
Want to learn more about the ISC team? Hit 'follow' 🫖
Her role includes managing the ISC and Schools Together websites, supporting schools with Member Zone queries, helping parents find schools for their children, and more!
Want to learn more about the ISC team? Hit 'follow' 🫖
August 1, 2025 at 10:53 AM
Meet Rosie, ISC's digital content manager 💻
Her role includes managing the ISC and Schools Together websites, supporting schools with Member Zone queries, helping parents find schools for their children, and more!
Want to learn more about the ISC team? Hit 'follow' 🫖
Her role includes managing the ISC and Schools Together websites, supporting schools with Member Zone queries, helping parents find schools for their children, and more!
Want to learn more about the ISC team? Hit 'follow' 🫖
"Days like these are more than just exciting; they provide meaningful educational enrichment."
Fiona Price, partnerships coordinator at King Edward VI School, Southampton, explains how a recent partnership day fostered a spirit of shared learning and community
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Fiona Price, partnerships coordinator at King Edward VI School, Southampton, explains how a recent partnership day fostered a spirit of shared learning and community
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
July 9, 2025 at 12:25 PM
"Days like these are more than just exciting; they provide meaningful educational enrichment."
Fiona Price, partnerships coordinator at King Edward VI School, Southampton, explains how a recent partnership day fostered a spirit of shared learning and community
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Fiona Price, partnerships coordinator at King Edward VI School, Southampton, explains how a recent partnership day fostered a spirit of shared learning and community
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Reposted by Independent Schools Council
We are excited to be at the @uni-roehampton.bsky.social today to present the Independent Schools Council Digital Conference. @isc-schools.bsky.social
June 19, 2025 at 8:50 AM
We are excited to be at the @uni-roehampton.bsky.social today to present the Independent Schools Council Digital Conference. @isc-schools.bsky.social
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of misleading the public over the VAT on fees policy, after suggesting it will be used to fund housing, not state school improvements
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Keir Starmer accused of misleading public over private school VAT raid
Sir Keir Starmer provoked outrage after suggesting his housing pledge this week was made possible 'because' of VAT on school fees.
www.dailymail.co.uk
June 14, 2025 at 1:08 PM
Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of misleading the public over the VAT on fees policy, after suggesting it will be used to fund housing, not state school improvements
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article...
Today's High Court judgment states the government was well aware that some families would no longer be able to afford independent school fees but that it was "entitled to consider these factors to be outweighed by the expected revenue raised for public services"
June 13, 2025 at 5:02 PM
Today's High Court judgment states the government was well aware that some families would no longer be able to afford independent school fees but that it was "entitled to consider these factors to be outweighed by the expected revenue raised for public services"
ISC CEO @JulieR_isc: "This is an unprecedented tax on education and it was right that its compatibility with human rights law was tested."
The High Court has "dismissed the claims" in the VAT legal challenge. ISC has vowed continued support for schools, pupils and their families
The High Court has "dismissed the claims" in the VAT legal challenge. ISC has vowed continued support for schools, pupils and their families
June 13, 2025 at 2:58 PM
ISC CEO @JulieR_isc: "This is an unprecedented tax on education and it was right that its compatibility with human rights law was tested."
The High Court has "dismissed the claims" in the VAT legal challenge. ISC has vowed continued support for schools, pupils and their families
The High Court has "dismissed the claims" in the VAT legal challenge. ISC has vowed continued support for schools, pupils and their families
"We are part of the community and fabric of Wales."
Paul Norton, principal of @kingsmonkton.bsky.social and WISC director, reflects on the invaluable role Welsh independent schools play in the wider educational ecosystem www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Paul Norton, principal of @kingsmonkton.bsky.social and WISC director, reflects on the invaluable role Welsh independent schools play in the wider educational ecosystem www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
June 4, 2025 at 5:10 PM
"We are part of the community and fabric of Wales."
Paul Norton, principal of @kingsmonkton.bsky.social and WISC director, reflects on the invaluable role Welsh independent schools play in the wider educational ecosystem www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Paul Norton, principal of @kingsmonkton.bsky.social and WISC director, reflects on the invaluable role Welsh independent schools play in the wider educational ecosystem www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
The number of children with SEND attending independent schools has risen by 78% in the past decade, according to the ISC's 2025 Census.
Heads have warned that the education tax could disproportionately impact pupils with SEND.
www.politicshome.com...
Heads have warned that the education tax could disproportionately impact pupils with SEND.
www.politicshome.com...
Private School VAT Could Disproportionately Impact Pupils With SEND, Sector Warns
Independent schools have warned that the government’s VAT policy could disproportionately impact children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
www.politicshome.com
May 20, 2025 at 9:00 AM
The number of children with SEND attending independent schools has risen by 78% in the past decade, according to the ISC's 2025 Census.
Heads have warned that the education tax could disproportionately impact pupils with SEND.
www.politicshome.com...
Heads have warned that the education tax could disproportionately impact pupils with SEND.
www.politicshome.com...
"With increased business rates, employers’ National Insurance, minimum wage and utilities bills still rising, we have nowhere left to go. No further savings can be made."
Kate Caryl, head of Wakefield Independent School, on the impact of VAT on fees
www.schoolmanagement...
Kate Caryl, head of Wakefield Independent School, on the impact of VAT on fees
www.schoolmanagement...
VAT on fees: 'There is no fat left to trim' | School Management Plus
Kate Caryl, longstanding head of Wakefield Independent School, reflects on its proposed closure amid financial pressures
www.schoolmanagementplus.com
May 20, 2025 at 8:00 AM
"With increased business rates, employers’ National Insurance, minimum wage and utilities bills still rising, we have nowhere left to go. No further savings can be made."
Kate Caryl, head of Wakefield Independent School, on the impact of VAT on fees
www.schoolmanagement...
Kate Caryl, head of Wakefield Independent School, on the impact of VAT on fees
www.schoolmanagement...
Independent school fees were 22.6% higher in January compared to a year ago, reveals ISC.
The government predicted fees would increase by ~10% as a result of the VAT policy.
"It seems clear to us that the government has underestimated the effect": Julie Robison, ISC CEO
www.bbc.co.uk/news/a...
The government predicted fees would increase by ~10% as a result of the VAT policy.
"It seems clear to us that the government has underestimated the effect": Julie Robison, ISC CEO
www.bbc.co.uk/news/a...
Private schools say fees have gone up by 22% in last year
The Independent School Council says private school fees increased by 22.6% in January compared to a year ago.
www.bbc.co.uk
May 19, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Independent school fees were 22.6% higher in January compared to a year ago, reveals ISC.
The government predicted fees would increase by ~10% as a result of the VAT policy.
"It seems clear to us that the government has underestimated the effect": Julie Robison, ISC CEO
www.bbc.co.uk/news/a...
The government predicted fees would increase by ~10% as a result of the VAT policy.
"It seems clear to us that the government has underestimated the effect": Julie Robison, ISC CEO
www.bbc.co.uk/news/a...
Want to get to know ISC's CEO Julie Robinson better?
Well now you can!
Henry Faber, co-founder of Oppidan Education, interviewed Julie about her career in education spanning 35 years.
Listen to Julie's story via the link 👇
podcasts.apple.com/g...
Well now you can!
Henry Faber, co-founder of Oppidan Education, interviewed Julie about her career in education spanning 35 years.
Listen to Julie's story via the link 👇
podcasts.apple.com/g...
Julie Robinson
Podcast Episode · Heads & Tales · 14/05/2025 · 23m
podcasts.apple.com
May 19, 2025 at 3:30 PM
Want to get to know ISC's CEO Julie Robinson better?
Well now you can!
Henry Faber, co-founder of Oppidan Education, interviewed Julie about her career in education spanning 35 years.
Listen to Julie's story via the link 👇
podcasts.apple.com/g...
Well now you can!
Henry Faber, co-founder of Oppidan Education, interviewed Julie about her career in education spanning 35 years.
Listen to Julie's story via the link 👇
podcasts.apple.com/g...
98% of primary state school headteachers are unable to meet the needs of all their pupils with SEND, according to an NAHT survey, amid concerns over the impact of the VAT on fees policy
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
Special needs crisis for 98 per cent of primary schools
A snap poll of 750 heads in the mainstream primary state sector found 98 per cent do not have the resources to meet the needs of all their special needs pupils.
www.dailymail.co.uk
May 19, 2025 at 2:30 PM
98% of primary state school headteachers are unable to meet the needs of all their pupils with SEND, according to an NAHT survey, amid concerns over the impact of the VAT on fees policy
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
"No consultation with the independent sector took place. And the human cost was never thought about."
Gareth Jones, headteacher of Bilton Grange, reflects on the impact of the government's decision to impose VAT on school fees
www.schoolmanagement...
Gareth Jones, headteacher of Bilton Grange, reflects on the impact of the government's decision to impose VAT on school fees
www.schoolmanagement...
VAT on fees: 'The human cost was never thought about' | School Management Plus
The government never considered the human cost of the VAT on fees policy, writes Gareth Jones
www.schoolmanagementplus.com
May 19, 2025 at 1:30 PM
"No consultation with the independent sector took place. And the human cost was never thought about."
Gareth Jones, headteacher of Bilton Grange, reflects on the impact of the government's decision to impose VAT on school fees
www.schoolmanagement...
Gareth Jones, headteacher of Bilton Grange, reflects on the impact of the government's decision to impose VAT on school fees
www.schoolmanagement...
A survey of 240 members of The Heads' Conference (HMC) has shed light on the impact of VAT on fees, with nearly half of schools reportedly planning teacher redundancies and a third preparing to remove subjects from their GCSE and A-level curricula
inews.co.uk/news/teacher...
inews.co.uk/news/teacher...
Fewer teachers, subjects cut and frozen food: How VAT is changing private schools
Parents are complaining of 'ludicrous' fee rises of up to 25 per cent. But schools still need to find savings
inews.co.uk
May 19, 2025 at 12:29 PM
A survey of 240 members of The Heads' Conference (HMC) has shed light on the impact of VAT on fees, with nearly half of schools reportedly planning teacher redundancies and a third preparing to remove subjects from their GCSE and A-level curricula
inews.co.uk/news/teacher...
inews.co.uk/news/teacher...
In the ISC's latest blog, Lyndsey Hayes, an A-level psychology teacher and chair of SCoPESC, explains how specialist organisations are bringing educators together to offer valuable learning resources and professional development opportunities 💭
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
May 14, 2025 at 12:19 PM
In the ISC's latest blog, Lyndsey Hayes, an A-level psychology teacher and chair of SCoPESC, explains how specialist organisations are bringing educators together to offer valuable learning resources and professional development opportunities 💭
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
"When students are encouraged to reflect on their thinking, learning becomes more meaningful."
Lisa Crook, deputy head at Banstead Preparatory School, explains how metacognitive strategies can boost pupils' confidence and support the development of key life skills
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Lisa Crook, deputy head at Banstead Preparatory School, explains how metacognitive strategies can boost pupils' confidence and support the development of key life skills
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
May 8, 2025 at 2:04 PM
"When students are encouraged to reflect on their thinking, learning becomes more meaningful."
Lisa Crook, deputy head at Banstead Preparatory School, explains how metacognitive strategies can boost pupils' confidence and support the development of key life skills
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
Lisa Crook, deputy head at Banstead Preparatory School, explains how metacognitive strategies can boost pupils' confidence and support the development of key life skills
www.isc.co.uk/media-enquir...
It is "not clear" whether the government's pledge to recruit 6,500 extra teachers will address the issue of staff shortages as there is no "delivery plan" in place, according to a new report by the National Audit Office (NAO)
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
Labour's promise of 6,500 extra teachers 'might not fix shortage'
The National Audit Office (NAO) said it is 'not clear' whether the pledge will solve the problem as there is currently no 'delivery plan'.
www.dailymail.co.uk
May 1, 2025 at 9:13 AM
It is "not clear" whether the government's pledge to recruit 6,500 extra teachers will address the issue of staff shortages as there is no "delivery plan" in place, according to a new report by the National Audit Office (NAO)
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
www.dailymail.co.uk/...
Rising costs could contribute to an exodus of pupils from independent schools to "stretched" state schools, as the sector faces a "quadruple whammy" of financial challenges, warns ISC CEO Julie Robinson
inews.co.uk/news/private...
inews.co.uk/news/private...
Private schools blame VAT and Reeves for fee rises of 20 per cent and higher
Parents hit by 25 per cent rise says they're running out of savings they can make. Schools also hit by business rates, national insurance and pension costs
inews.co.uk
April 29, 2025 at 9:18 AM
Rising costs could contribute to an exodus of pupils from independent schools to "stretched" state schools, as the sector faces a "quadruple whammy" of financial challenges, warns ISC CEO Julie Robinson
inews.co.uk/news/private...
inews.co.uk/news/private...