Culture & Values
Independent schools have many ideals in common. The sector has a strong tradition of academic attainment, good examination results, sound discipline and a commitment to a wide range of sport and extra-curricular activities. Some are religious foundations, many have long-established traditions, and all strive to offer a high quality of education within a framework where the focus is on the development and care of the individual. Pupils are encouraged to develop their talents and to pursue new interests through clubs and societies, sport, outdoor activities and community service. Meetings are often arranged between schools at which pupils can meet and share interests. Independent schools value:
The development of every individual's potential
The moral, spiritual, social and cultural development of all pupils
High academic achievement
Musical, artistic and sporting achievement
Service to others and to the community
Their staff and their full professional development
The development of every individual's potential
All good schools, whatever their status, are likely to have this as a key aim. The strength of purpose with which independent schools pursue this reflects both the professional commitment of their staff and the aspirations of the parents who are determined to seek the best for their children.
The moral, spiritual, social and cultural development of all pupils
A significant number of independent schools are religious foundations. They give emphasis to the values of religion both in giving an extra dimension to education and as a set of principles to govern principals and behaviour. All independent schools place importance on taking pride in one's work, on encouraging good manners and considering other people's feelings, so that the society of the school is one in which a real sense of responsibility is developed.
High academic achievement
The emphasis on achievement and learning is a welcoming environment for teachers who have a passion for their subject, as it is for pupils with an awakening excitement for knowledge.
Musical, artistic and sporting achievement
Breadth is a very important aspect to the schools' view of education, both for its own sake - inspiring interest in activities that give excitement and fulfilment - and because it creates many additional opportunities for young people to discover talents and find success. The readiness of teachers to contribute in these areas is a distinctive feature of many independent schools.
Service to others and to the community
Independent schools are sometimes attacked for being divisive and focused on self-advancement. The reality is that you will find in them a considerable variety of activities that put others first. Many local communities enjoy the use of school facilities, while many pupils are active in voluntary service teams helping both young and old, the environment and many other good causes. Over the last few years, the Government has encouraged and, to a limited extent, funded partnership arrangements between independent and maintained schools, to their mutual benefit. ISC schools are involved in a wide variety of local co-operation with maintained schools and their local communities.
Their staff and their full professional development
After successfully completing the government-recognised induction scheme overseen by ISC, teachers continue to have access to a range of courses, some of them organised by ISC's professional heads associations and with an increasing focus on developing leadership skills. Schools have regular appraisal schemes and encourage their staff to update skills and knowledge and to explore new interests and responsibilities.