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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ISC sends response to the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph

5 March 2008

The Independent Schools Council has sent a letter to the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph in response to the school admissions debate. None were subsequently published.

Letter to the Times, Daily Mail and Daily Telegraph

Sir,

You have reported this week on the unprecedented competition for places in the country's most popular state schools ("Many thousands will miss out on their first choice of school", Mar 5). As Schools Minister Jim Knight himself has pointed out, parents dissatisfied with their child's allocation are able to appeal. However, this is a lengthy, emotional, and sometimes costly, process, and 62% of families last year were unsuccessful.

An alternative option might be to consider independent education, which is much more accessible and affordable than many families think. For instance, one in three children attending independent schools receives assistance with fees and one in four come from postcodes where household income is at, or below, the national average. As you have highlighted this week, many parents will go to extreme lengths to secure the best education for their child with some even renting or buying houses in good school catchment areas. Going to such desperate measures could be avoided by using this money to instead invest in an independent education, where pupils benefit from smaller class sizes and excellent academic standards.