The Independent Schools Association (ISA) represents the Heads of over 650 of the UK’s best independent schools. As a member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), it provides professional support, fellowship, and a collective voice for its members. The ISA is known for its diverse membership, which includes co-educational and single-sex schools, boarding and day schools, and specialist schools for the arts or specific educational needs. It fosters collaboration and high standards, and also organises a wide array of national sporting, artistic, and cultural events for pupils.
ISA Member Schools (148)
ACS Cobham International School is a co-educational day and boarding school situated on a 128-acre woodland campus in Cobham, Surrey. Located approximately 20 miles from Central London, the school enrols students aged 2 to 18 from over 60 nationalities. The curriculum includes the International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma and an American curriculum, offering Advanced Placement (AP) courses and leading to a US high school diploma. The school claims to focus on innovation, academic excellence, and global awareness. Facilities include extensive sports amenities and a performing arts centre.
ACS Egham International School is a co-educational institution situated in the Surrey countryside, near The Savill Garden and approximately 25-30 miles from central London. The school claims to offer a world-class personalized learning approach within a diverse international community of over 50 nationalities. It is an IB World School, notably one of two in the UK to provide all four International Baccalaureate programmes for students aged 4-18. The campus, set in extensive parkland, features state-of-the-art facilities.
Al-Sadiq School is an independent, all-through Islamic school situated in the London Borough of Brent, Greater London. Established in 1989 by the Al-Khoei Foundation, it caters primarily to boys aged 3 to 16, with a current enrollment of 136 pupils. The school claims to focus on a strong Shia Islamic ethos, inspired by Imam Ja'far Sadiq, emphasising moral uprightness, scholarly excellence, and community service. It delivers the National Curriculum for England, complemented by Islamic studies, and was found to be ISI Compliant in March 2022.
Al-Zahra School is an independent all-girls school situated in the urban district of Brondesbury, Greater London. Established in 1989 by the Al-Khoei Foundation, it educates female students of primary and secondary age. The school claims to focus on excellence in education, unwavering God-consciousness, and service to the community, with its ethos rooted in Islamic teachings. It is accredited by the Independent School Association and inspected by the Independent Schools Inspectorate. Ofsted has rated the school as "GOOD" with "OUTSTANDING features".
Situated at Easons Green near Uckfield, Annan School is an independent primary school for children aged 2 to 11. Based on a rural site at Annan Farm, the school follows a Froebelian pedagogy, emphasising a holistic approach to education through real-life experiences and creative thinking. Its curriculum incorporates outdoor learning, including a Forest School programme, within a setting described as having a family feel. The school claims to focus on nurturing curious, independent learners while promoting mutual respect and community engagement.
Annemount School is an independent co-educational Nursery and Pre-prep school situated in Hampstead Garden Suburb, London. Established in 1936, it welcomes children aged two to seven years old. The school is set in a garden near Hampstead Heath and claims to focus on developing each child's individuality, self-discipline, and respect, alongside encouraging good character and citizenship. The curriculum includes the National Curriculum, supplemented with subjects such as drama, dance, and music.
Situated in the West Sussex countryside, near Haywards Heath, Ardingly College is a co-educational boarding and day school established in 1858. The college occupies a 240-acre campus with woodland and a lakeside environment. The school claims to focus on academic rigour, critical thinking, and preparing students to be "World Ready". Its ethos is guided by values such as engagement, compassion, resilience, and collaboration. Ardingly College offers A-levels, the IB Diploma, and BTECs.
Situated in Greater London, Azbuka Russian-English Bilingual School is a primary school and nursery providing a full-time Russian-English bilingual education programme. The school claims to focus on meeting the linguistic, cultural, and academic needs of multilingual children and families, fostering bicultural identity. Opened in 2015, it was the UK's first primary school offering such a programme, blending the English curriculum with Russian educational traditions. An Ofsted inspection highlighted its bilingual curriculum as a key strength. The school also incorporates a Russian-European kitchen.
Situated in Chislehurst, Greater London, Babington House is an independent co-educational day school for pupils aged 3 to 18 years. The school claims its academic, social, and sporting endeavors are underpinned by core Christian values, aiming to develop confidence and individuality. Its campus includes a group of historical buildings and extensive playing fields, along with sports facilities.
Bales College is a co-educational, non-selective independent school and sixth-form college for students aged 11-19. Situated in Kensal Green W10, West London, it is located on a quiet, tree-lined campus. The school claims to focus on providing a caring and motivating environment, individual care, and positive learning. Its ethos is built upon the core values of Respect, Humour, Energy, and Perseverance, reflected in its motto 'Semper Perstare' (Always persist).
Situated in the Sussex countryside in Upper Dicker, near Hailsham, Bede’s Senior School is a co-educational day and boarding school for pupils aged 13 to 18. The school claims to offer a holistic education that prioritises individual interests, combining academic study with traditions in the performing arts and sport. Notable facilities include an on-site zoo housing over 70 species and the Legat School of Dance. Its ethos focuses on cultivating curiosity and ambition within an inclusive community that values personal growth and both creative and academic achievement.
Beechwood is a co-educational independent day and boarding school in Tunbridge Wells, Kent. Situated on a 23-acre campus, the school educates pupils from Pre-School to Sixth Form. It was founded in 1915 by the Sisters of the Society of the Sacred Heart and now operates as a co-educational school for children of all faiths.