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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Ipsos MORI poll shows record demand for independent education

4 June 2008

A survey by Ipsos MORI for the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has found independent education to be more popular than ever. Nearly three in five (57%) of all parents would send their child to independent school if they could afford it. This is the highest level since the survey began in 1997, up 20% (nine percentage points) on the last survey in 2004. The Ipsos MORI findings echo those of this year's ISC Annual Census, which showed record numbers of pupils attending ISC schools.1

There have been some significant shifts in the reasons for choosing independent education since 2004. While "better standards of education" continues to be the prime factor for parents wanting to send their children to independent schools (cited by 66% of parents), "better discipline" more than doubled in popularity, rising to second place above "smaller class sizes", with 30% of parents citing it as a reason, up from 14% in 2004. In addition, "better moral standards" rose to its highest ever level, with 9% of parents citing it, up from 5% in 2004. In addition, "better teachers" rose to its highest level since 1997, with 15% of parents citing it, up from 8% in 2004.

In addition, the survey found highly positive perceptions on a number of aspects of independent education with:

72% agreeing independent schools ‘offer high academic ability' (23% strongly agree)
73% agreeing independent schools ‘provide opportunities for pupils to fulfil their potential' (23% strongly agree)

Speaking today ISC Head of Research, Pru Jones, said:

"Mothers and fathers quite clearly recognise that our schools help children realize their potential: academically; in sport, music and drama; and as caring, self-disciplined, responsible members of the community."

Ends

Notes to editors:

Independent Schools Council (ISC)

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is a politically independent, not-for-profit umbrella body, representing around 1300 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children in the UK and Ireland. ISC schools include the well-known boarding schools, though the majority of ISC schools are day schools with strong local reputations. ISC schools cover the entire academic range and take pupils from a broad cross-section of backgrounds, with nearly a third of children receiving help with fees. Overall, ISC exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education; the development of talent at all levels of ability; and the widening of opportunity for children from all backgrounds to achieve their potential.

The Ipsos MORI survey: ISC attitudes to independent schools

2,063 adults aged 18+ were interviewed across 198 sampling points throughout Great Britain.
All interviews were conducted face-to-face and in-house between 21-26 February 2008, using CAPI methodology
All figures are given in percentages
Base is all (2,063) for all questions, unless stated otherwise
Where figures do not add up to 100% this is due to computer rounding, multiple answers or the exclusion of 'don't know' or refusal answer categories
An asterisk (*) represents a figure which is less than 0.5% but more than zero

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC

Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 07885 620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk

Footnote

1) ISC pupil numbers rose 0.8% January 2007-January 2008 (ISC Annual Census 2008)