ISC sends letter to the Financial Times

20 August 2008

The Independent Schools Councils Acting Chief Executive, Matthew Burgess has sent a letter to the Financial Times following the FT's 'Fee-paying parents have no interest in state sector.' story.

Letter to the Financial Times

Sir,   

Dr. Pointon claims (letters 20 August) that educated, articulate and affluent parents in the UK who are able to purchase education for their children have no interest or involvement in conditions and educational attainment in the state sector. On the contrary. Parents who decide to send their children to independent schools know that they are choosing a sector which enthusiastically and whole-heartedly embraces involvement with the state sector.  

Independent schools are increasingly working with the wider community, including partnerships and other links with state schools, as part of their outreach activities, bringing benefits to all parties. The 2008 National Community Partnerships School Conference next month, which is organised on a voluntarily basis by independent school staff and pupils, is a timely reminder of this. Bringing together staff and pupils from the independent and maintained sectors, it will, as in previous years, promote the passion shared by both sectors - that a high-quality and rounded education is indeed a basic human right in a civilised society, and that it can be best secured by both sectors working together.  

Matthew Burgess,
Acting Chief Executive,
Independent Schools Council