Inspection reports
Perhaps the most important document you can read about an independent school is its inspection report. The process of inspection is complicated and can look impenetrable to parents; it is involved and often uses a lot of acronyms (be warned) but hang in there and the results are worth it.
Firstly, a bit of background to the process. Schools in membership of the Independent Schools Council (or ISC as it is known) in England are inspected by an organisation called the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI), appointed by the Department for Education (DfE). Independent schools which are not in membership of ISC are inspected by Ofsted. ISC is an important organisation as it brings together seven associations of heads, bursars and governors. It therefore collectively represents over 1,400 independent schools, many of whom are well-known regionally and nationally.
Explaining inspections is quite complicated but one of the key things to understand is that schools are inspected to a framework. This ensures consistency between inspections and schools as well as being open...
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I've known Matthew for many years; he offers clear, sensible, and unbiased advice, drawn from his extensive knowledge of the sector, and I'm delighted to see his expertise translated into this thoughtful and practical guide for parents. This book is invaluable for those navigating the often overwhelming process of choosing an independent school, helping parents focus on what truly matters, rather than rankings, hype, or marketing spin. I wholeheartedly recommend it.
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This is the book that parents have been waiting for and one they should most definitely read when choosing a school for their children... Matthew offers sage and measured advice about what you need to consider, things to avoid and who to listen to when making the most important choice you can make for your child.
