Barnaby Lenon, Chairman, Independent Schools Council, commented on Anthony Seldon’s speech

Our exam results are excellent but research shows parents choose our schools mainly because of the holistic and broad education on offer. It is not the case that independent schools are chasing league table positions - most now offer iGCSEs which have the effect of excluding them from the DfE league tables and many of the highest achieving independent schools refuse to release their exam results to the press.

“Nor is it the case that independent schools are becoming less diverse: we offer alternatives to A-levels such as IB and Pre-U qualifications. Many of our schools have a specific specialism, such as the cathedral choir schools, music, dance or special needs schools. Our very independence from Government control means our schools provide the bespoke education that local parents are seeking for their children."