• Forty six percent of those who took A levels in independent schools gained an A grade in 2005. This is compared to a national average of 22.5%
• In 2005, 73.1% of all exam entries in independent schools were awarded a grade A or B. The national average was 46%
• Of those who have attended an independent school, 92.2% go on to higher education. The majority of students will go to the university or college of their choice
• The facilities in independent schools tend to be excellent. For example 59% have swimming pools, 79% have playing fields, 72% have athletics tracks, 37% have Astroturf pitches
• There tends to be a much greater emphasis placed on extracurricular activities, including sports. On average pupils spend three to four hours a week taking part in sporting activities, whereas only two thirds of pupils in the maintained sector spent the recommended two hours a week
• "The independent sector is leading the way for British sport… Independently-educated sportsmen and women won half of the British medals in the last Olympics in Athens.” (Jonathan Shephard, ISC General Secretary, quoted in Prep School magazine 56)
• There is a much lower student:teacher ratio than in the state maintained sector.  There are approximately 9.8 students to each teacher in ISC* schools, as opposed to the maintained sector where there are approximately 18 students to each teacher
• The average rise in school fees for 2004/5 was the lowest in six years at 5.8%. In addition almost one third of pupils at independent schools receive financial assistance of some kind, whether this be through bursaries, scholarships or some other means. In 2004 schools received £88 million in benefits from charitable status yet paid out £300 million in scholarships and bursaries
• Twelve percent of students in ISC* schools have special educational needs ranging from students with dyslexia to gifted students. Small class sizes, school sizes and a supportive environment can greatly help those with special educational needs.

*The ISC (Independent Schools Council) represents 1276 schools educating over 500,000 pupils of all ability levels and from all backgrounds.

All facts and figures taken from the ISC. See www.isc.co.uk for further information.

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