The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.

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Accreditation & Inspection

Accreditation indicates that the quality of a school - not just its basic provision - is assessed and confirmed by rigorous inspection. It is required of any school seeking full membership of one of the heads' associations within ISC. Schools in England seeking membership are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), which sends a team to visit the school over a period of a week. Independent Schools not affiliated to the ISC in England and Independent schools accredited to the ISC in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland are inspected through the national inspectorates in each country

The process of monitoring standards does not end with accreditation. As a condition of continued membership, schools are required to undergo rigorous inspection by ISI every six years to ensure that standards are maintained and improved. These inspections are led by independent inspectors and are conducted under a framework approved and monitored by the Office for Standards in Education (Ofsted).

Inspections lead to a detailed published report including a summary which the school must send free of charge to parents. Parents and other interested parties may also obtain the full reports. The full reports and summaries of inspections that have taken place since January 1999 can be found on the ISI website. A school must have a satisfactory report in order to retain ISC accreditation and remain in membership of an association.

So, when you are considering schools that may be suitable for your children, do check whether or not they are ISC member schools. If you are not sure, ask when you telephone or visit them.