Parents choose an independent education to give their children the best start in life. Academic results are one measure of excellence, and independent schools are some of the best performing schools in the country. As the 2023 ISC Census shows, last year 58 per cent of independent school A-level entries were awarded an A* or A, compared with state schools, where 33 per cent gained top grades.
But academic success is only part of the picture – an independent education gives children all the skills they need to set them on the path to success. At Uppingham School in Rutland, Director of Admissions, Charlie Bostock says “Great exam results will open doors, but it’s who walks through that door that counts.” Tony Jackson, Head at Barnard Castle in Durham, agrees: “We always say we’re preparing young people for the test of life, not a life of tests. We’re developing young people with values, who become good citizens and are armed with the skills they need to succeed.”
A bespoke education Schools achieve this through a bespoke approach. As a parent, you can choose the environment that best suits your child. You can choose co-ed, single sex, a rural or city location, a nurturing non-selective school or a vibrant, unashamedly academic one. You could
There are now a multitude of ways for students to sleepover at school. Laura Sutherland uncovers the various boarding options on o er, and how they might work for your family
For those of us with no further initiation to boarding school than the Malory Towers series, it conjures up visions of dormitory-bound terms full of inspired pranks, bouts of homesickness and midnight feasts – put simply, jolly good fun but a little daunting. However, life at the UK’s
best boarding schools in 2024 varies broadly, accommodating di erent lifestyles, and crucially, to t children’s diverse, individual needs. If this is a route that you’re considering, it’s important to be aware that there are a number of options available to you, from full to exi and fortnightly, all of which will o er your child a truly enriching environment.
Traditionally tight-knit
Most similar in structure to the terms enjoyed by Blyton’s heroines, Sedbergh Senior School in Cumbria is a full-boarding co-ed, with six welcoming boarding houses for boys and three for girls. “ ere’s this misconception that boarding is scary, but students get a warm welcome from residential sta and friendly
Schools are taking a fresh approach to their learning provision in order to get away from the highly pressurised establishments of norm, writes Elizabeth Ivens
Often dubbed “hothouse” schools, highly academic schools have long been celebrated for helping generations of children to achieve the highest exam results.
But many heads, even in London, where thousands of children have long competed for places at the most academically rigorous schools, now believe that a more relaxed approach can work just as well.
From abolishing entrance examinations to introducing more creative and practical cross-curricular work and a move away from traditional exams, schools are frequently looking at different paths for their students.
Schools themselves have sometimes referred to this new approach as “greenhouse rather than hothouse”.
Hilary Phillips, Head at all-girls’ prep Hanford in Dorset, a proponent of the “greenhouse style”, explained: “With a hothouse, you have a target, you know where you’re going and you know what you’ve to do to get there and you measure how far along you are in getting to that target. But with the greenhouse style, it’s more a case of looking at what you’ve got and working out how to make the best of that child.
“It’s much easier for a school to be a hothouse, because their pupils are all much of a muchness, and are all working towards the same target.”
In London, Suzie Longstaff was Head at one of the capital’s most highly competitive schools – Putney High School GDST – for eight years and is now Principal of the new London Park Schools group.
She believes this competition in the capital’s marketplace
MANY HEADS, EVEN IN LONDON, where thousands of children have long competed for places at the most academically rigorous schools, NOW BELIEVE THAT A MORE RELAXED APPROACH CAN WORK JUST AS WELL
Steven Turner, Head of Queen Ethelburga’s College in North Yorkshire, gives his advice on what to consider before applying to a new school for sixth form
Firstly, prioritise your happiness. You’ll be in this school environment for the most important two years of your academic life. Take time to look at the environment and ethos of the school to make sure it matches who you are and that it’ll allow you to thrive and achieve your best. This decision is very personal to you as the subject options, clubs, activities and the staff will all significantly shape these two years of your life. Some
schools are very hands-on in supporting, mentoring, and coaching, like our QE Faculty School but others stretch and challenge your academic talents, like our QE College School. Think about whether you’d benefit from smaller class sizes, readily available one-to-one teacher time or school initiatives like QE’s Whole School Revision Project, where every student is taught a variety of essential study skills to find the most effective revision method for them. It’s important to be honest with yourself about your
Combining a commitment to fostering academic excellence with its dedication to offering a comprehensive curriculum, Roedean ensures that every girl thrives
Discover the extraordinary at Roedean. Located in Brighton, the school stands as a beacon of excellence in education, offering day and boarding places to girls aged 11-18 years. Its unique location provides the best of both worlds: proximity to one of the UK’s most vibrant and dynamic cities and a sense of calm from a clifftop setting between the South Downs National Park and the English Channel.
Roedean is celebrated for providing a genuinely holistic education. The Good Schools Guide 2020 states, ‘Roedean is decidedly about educating girls’. This commitment is evident in the students, who are not only encouraged to excel academically but also empowered to thrive, find their passions, and explore more than 160 co-curricular activities each week. Its approach encourages curiosity, creativity, and innovation, unlocking each student’s full potential.
The 2023 A-level results marked a historic high, with A* dominating at 28.2%. GCSE achievements were equally impressive, with 58% attaining Grades 9-8 and an outstanding 32% securing the elite Grade 9. Beyond academic pursuits, students excel in a myriad of activities, from music, dance, and drama to sports and the arts, fostering a culture that embraces challenges and values resilience.
Roedean’s commitment to holistic development extends to thriving arts and sports programmes. From accomplished musicians holding post-Grade 8 qualifications to a relay swim across the English Channel, our students embody excellence beyond the classroom. From those learning new games to elite sportswomen, Roedean strongly believes that whatever the pupil’s aspirations in sport, that her experience should be enjoyable, rewarding, and memorable. The creative and performing arts are at the very core of Roedean’s ethos; the school delights in the students’ successes on stage, including this year’s productions of Jane Eyre, Legally Blonde, and A Midsummer Night’s Dream in June. There are also opportunities to perform in a
range of magical musical concerts, recitals, and dance showcases. Our year sevens also get to enjoy the Wild Fridays programme, a thrilling initiative designed to empower students and foster an appreciation of the natural world. Character development, social conscience, and leadership skills are woven into the fabric of Roedean, as evidenced in initiatives such as the school’s partnership with a local state primary school and international outreach efforts. Representing students from more than 40 countries, the school has a dynamic feel; students hear about different experiences and traditions each day, and this fosters a strong sense of community and a deep understanding of other cultures and backgrounds.
What sets Roedean apart is its supportive and inclusive community. As an independent girls’ school, it fosters an environment where each student feels valued and encouraged to embrace their authentic selves. The palpable sense of sisterhood not only defines Roedean’s unique educational journey but also creates a network of lasting friendships that extend far beyond the school years. The Head, Mrs Green, firmly believes that this holistic approach makes for confident, ambitious, and compassionate young women who are ready to make their mark on the world. roedean.co.uk