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Senior Schools

What Is An Independent Senior School?

A British independent senior school is a fee-paying school for school aged 11-16.

Do Independent Senior Schools Follow The National Curriculum?

Independent secondary schools are free from most state control, which means they can set their own curriculum and children do not have to sit SATs.

Independent senior schools must be registered with the Department for Education (DfE), and are obliged to meet certain regulations. In Wales, independent secondary schools must register with the Welsh Office Education Department. Independent secondary schools are also free to set their own day and term lengths.

Around half of all independent schools are inspected by Ofsted. Many independent senior schools are members of the Independent Schools Council, and these are inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Some independent secondary schools are inspected by the School Inspection Service.

Benefits Of Independent Senior Schools

Independent senior schools usually have considerably smaller class sizes than state secondary schools. They often offer a wide range of extra-curricular activities, sports and music, and often have better facilities - though this is not always the case.

Which Are The Best Independent Secondary Schools In England?

There are lots of lists of the top private schools in England but these lists can be quite subjective. There are numerous different kinds of independent secondary schools in the UK, and each offers something slightly different. There are boarding schools, day schools, single sex or coeducational schools. Some schools have a great sports offering; others may be more geared towards the arts or humanities. The best private school in the UK is the one that offers what you value most.

Admissions To Private Senior schools

Admission can be based on the Common Entrance Exam or the school's own entrance exam and an interview.

How much does A Private Senior School Cost?

Annual school fees for independent secondary schools range from around £20,000 to £25,000. For boarding schools the fees are higher.

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