Introduction

Independent schools work in partnership with state schools to spread educational opportunity, widen access and promote civic duty.This activity has been established over many years and is central to our schools’ work. Partnerships benefit all involved, broadening our horizons and enabling new relationships to develop.This is especially important now as we collectively move forward from the worst of the COVID pandemic.

You will find in these pages examples of a wide range of partnership working for the common good. Most independent schools are small, with just a few hundred pupils, yet the sector has ambitious aims to support the wider educational landscape and communities through partnership work. This can be through direct links between schools or by supporting existing schemes, charities, and clubs. All kinds of partnership projects can improve and spread opportunities for children and enhance training and development for teachers.

It is important to note that proposals to further tax independent schools would damage the sector, making schools less accessible and undermining their ability to participate in these important initiatives. Partnerships support levelling up, enhance academic opportunity at all ages, improve teacher training, narrow the disadvantage gap, and strengthen careers advice and university applications. Schools working together also enhances sporting activities, unites pupils through the creative and performing arts, supports wellbeing, and improves governance. A flourishing independent sector can build on these valuable projects - whereas punitive taxes would undermine this work.

The ISC publishes this annual report on cross-sector partnerships in accordance with our Joint Understanding with the Department for Education. The Joint Understanding commits the Department and the ISC to encouraging partnership working commensurate with the capacity and capabilities of schools. We are pleased to continue to support this Joint Understanding, which has become more important as COVID has exacerbated the disadvantage gap.

We have seen schools play a key role in supporting their communities during the pandemic and this report shows the range and value of collaborative work independent schools undertake, providing additional capacity and specialisms that support the broader education system and community. We look forward to another year of strong partnership working in 2022, for the benefit of all children.

Julie Robinson Chief executive, Independent Schools Council