Karen Wilson has some advice for parents who want the best possible education for their children.
 Every parent wants to give their child the best start in life, especially when it comes to education. A quick look at the league tables shows that the North-East's independent schools are getting the best results and are consistently at the top of the tables. Although only 7% of the school population are educated at private fee-paying schools, these schools supply one in three of all candidates gaining three A grades, or better, at A-level. Results speak for themselves. Over 40% of entries from independent schools were awarded an A, compared with 19% of maintained schools. What is more, independent schools provide the best foundation for university entry, and 92% of their 18-year-olds go on to university. Pupils are doing well at GCSE too. In 2004, more than half (54%) of the pupils at independent schools scored an A or A*, compared with 13% in the state sector. However, surveys reveal that the main reasons parents choose to educate their children in the independent sector are based more on the cultural advantages. A disciplined environment where respect for others underpins the ethos of the school is often the main selling point. The North-East's private schools have a strong track record for inspiring students to flourish and become confident, happy and well-rounded individuals. Whatever your child's abilities, his or her talents will be nurtured in smaller classes where the child can develop a real sense of belonging and self-worth. Having smaller classes, often with under 20 pupils, allows for the rate of progress of the individual to be monitored, so those with difficulties may have individual help, more able children will work at a faster pace, responding to the challenge of demanding targets. Pupils at independent schools are also compelled to study a broader range of subjects. Modern languages, for instance, are compulsory in 97% of Independent Schools Council (ISC) schools, at least to GCSE level. That is the case in only 30% of maintained schools. As independent schools have more flexibility to offer a more exciting curriculum, they can provide a wider, more stimulating, range of subjects, including extra-curricular activities such as drama, music, dance, riding, fencing and rugby as well as clubs, societies, expeditions, exchange trips and community work. Children also benefit from superb facilities, ranging from modern ICT suites and well-resourced libraries to specialist music rooms and fully-equipped gyms. Educational visits and overseas trips will help broaden your children's horizons as well as helping develop the social skills and understanding they need to grow into cultured, independent and interesting young adults. A strong sense of self-discipline is fostered in the children to equip them with the skills they will need in the future. Contrary to popular belief, about half of private school pupils have parents who were educated in the state system. One third are from families where neither parent is a university graduate and one fifth have parents who are neither university graduates nor attended independent schools. All children are welcome and those who visit will find a caring, friendly atmosphere with a strong emphasis on pastoral care. It may also be more affordable than you think, with a number of scholarships available each year, based purely on academic merit, which can reduce fees by up to 50%. For parents requiring financial assistance with fees, bursaries may be granted. Of course, the only real way to appreciate how much an independent school can offer your child is to arrange an informal visit on a school day. Alternatively, many schools have open days.
To learn more about independent schools in the North East or arrange a visit, see www.independentschoolsnortheast.co.uk
In addition, the Isis North office is online every weekday and all inquiries are welcome.
You can request a copy of the free regional handbook, which lists all independent schools in the area and gives a review of what each has to offer.
Isis North Ltd: (01677) 450139, www.isis.org.uk or email: regionaldirector@isis-north.co.uk
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Northumberland
