The Commission on the Future for Independent Schools
January 2025
The English independent schools sector, one of the most historic and well-reputed in the world, is at a fork in the road. After decades of fluctuating political pressure and public support, it has become clear that the future for the sector will not be able to look the same as its past. A new path has to be chosen and a vision articulated for the purpose of independent schooling, for how it can thrive, and for how it can best contribute to the whole school system.
The Commission on the Future for Independent Schools does this. The Commission uses dozens of expert interviews, nationally representative polling, analysis of fee data, and a survey of school heads and bursars to provides a comprehensive picture of independent schooling today. It then uses this picture, as well as comparison with international examples, to set out a vision for the future landscape of independent schooling in England. The recommendations outlined look to cultivate a sector that displays excellence, cultural breadth, independence, accessibility, and collaboration.
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A TWELVE-PAGE EXECUTIVE SUMMARY OF THE REPORT
Commissioners
The Commission is formed of: Edward Davies (Policy Director, The Centre for Social Justice); Jodh Dhesi (Chief Executive Officer of the King Edward VI Foundation, Birmingham); John Edward (Head of Operations of the Scottish Council on Global Affairs, former Director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools); Unity Jones (Director of Insights and Innovation, Lift Schools); Barney Northover (Partner at VWV, specialising in strategic and governance advice for schools); Professor Dame Alison Peacock (CEO of the Chartered College of Teaching); and Diana Young (Writer & PR consultant).
Download PDF Buy from Civitas