About ISC
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is a combination of 7 associations of independent schools in the United Kingdom. Founded in 1973, the association was established to advance and preserve the independent education sector and ensure that a quality service for students is upheld by all its members.
ISC serves as an umbrella organization representing the interests of independent schools across the UK and Ireland. The council brings together seven different associations of independent schools, creating a unified voice for the independent education sector. These member associations include prestigious groups such as GSA (Girls' Schools Association), HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference), IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools), ISA (Independent Schools Association), and The Society of Heads.
The organization works to maintain high standards in independent education, advocate for the sector's interests, and provide support and resources to member schools. ISC represents schools that offer education to students between the ages of 5 and 18 years, covering both primary and secondary education levels.
Membership Requirements
To become a member of ISC, schools must meet specific requirements:
- GSA (Girls' Schools Association)
- HMC (Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference)
- IAPS (Independent Association of Prep Schools)
- ISA (Independent Schools Association)
- The Society of Heads
- Leadership Membership: The head of the organization must be a member of one of the following associations:
- Student Age Range: The school must be designed for young learners between the ages of 5 and 18 years.
- Geographic Location: The school must be located in the United Kingdom or the Republic of Ireland.
- Quality Standards: Member schools are expected to maintain high educational standards and provide quality services to students.
- Compliance: Schools must adhere to the regulations and standards set by the ISC and its constituent associations.
These requirements ensure that ISC member schools maintain consistent quality and adhere to the standards expected of independent educational institutions in the UK and Ireland.
Complaint & Arbitration Procedure
ISC has established a structured complaint and arbitration procedure for addressing issues with member schools:
- Initial School-Level Resolution: A complaint against a member school must first be made to the Head Teacher of the school, where the school will follow their internal Complaints Policy.
- Appeal Process: If the complaint is not resolved satisfactorily at the school level, the student or their representative can appeal to the school's Governing Body.
- Further Escalation: While not explicitly stated, the existence of this structured process suggests that if issues remain unresolved after these steps, there may be mechanisms for further escalation to ISC itself, though specific details are not provided.
This multi-tiered approach ensures that complaints are addressed at the appropriate level, starting with the institution directly involved before moving to higher levels of governance.
General Information
Year of Foundation: 1973
Total Number of Members: 127
Geographic Focus: United Kingdom, Ireland
Organisation Type: Association
Key Activities:
- Representing the interests of independent schools
- Advocating for the independent education sector
- Setting and maintaining quality standards
- Supporting member schools with resources and guidance
- Coordinating between the seven constituent associations
- Ensuring quality education for students aged 5-18 years
Contact Information
ISC (Independent Schools Council)
First Floor, 27 Queen Anne's Gate
London, SW1H 9BU
United Kingdom
Phone: (+44) (0)20 7766 7070
Website: www.isc.co.uk
Key Features:
- Umbrella organization for 7 associations of independent schools
- 127 member schools across the UK and Ireland
- Focus on quality education for students aged 5-18
- Structured complaint and arbitration procedure
- Established in 1973 to advance independent education
- Requires school heads to be members of specific educational associations