School Associations

Founded in 1994, AEGIS is the sole independent body in the UK responsible for inspecting and accrediting guardianship organizations. Its core aim is to safeguard the welfare of international students attending British independent schools whose parents reside overseas. As a registered charity, AEGIS establishes a rigorous inspection framework to ensure guardians meet high standards of pastoral care and safety. The association serves as a crucial link between schools, parents, and guardianship agencies to promote best practices in student support.

The Association of Governing Bodies of Independent Schools (AGBIS) is a UK-based organization that supports and advises the governing bodies of independent schools. AGBIS aims to advance education and promote good governance within the independent school sector. The association provides guidance, training, and resources to member schools on all aspects of governance, helping them to operate effectively and meet their charitable objectives. It also represents the interests of its members and the wider independent education sector.

Established in 1992, the Association of Muslim Schools (AMS) is a registered charity and the representative body for Muslim schools in the UK. It aims to support and develop excellence in full-time Muslim education by providing training, resources, and advocacy. Guided by Islamic principles, AMS works to build capacity in institutions, ensuring they nurture talent and contribute to the wider community. It acts as a vital voice for the sector in engagement with the government, regulators, and other educational stakeholders, helping schools navigate inspections and compliance.

BBSN is a specialized recruitment and marketing network designed to connect UK boarding schools with international educational agents. Unlike regulatory or pastoral associations, its primary aim is facilitating student recruitment. The network links over 270 member schools with a vetted community of 400+ reference-checked agents across 50 countries, assisting schools in diversifying their student bodies. BBSN provides market intelligence, a secure portal for data exchange, and organizes the bi-annual British Boarding Schools’ Workshops (BBSW). It also aids schools in meeting UKVI sponsorship compliance by ensuring agent partners meet rigorous professional standards.

The Boarding Schools' Association (BSA) is the largest association of boarding schools in the world, representing hundreds of independent and state boarding schools across the UK and overseas. Its core mission is to promote and support excellence in boarding education. The BSA provides professional development and training for school staff, offers guidance on best practices in pastoral care and safeguarding, and serves as the collective voice for the boarding sector when liaising with government and inspection bodies. It champions the benefits of a boarding education and supports member schools in delivering the highest standards.

Founded in 1973, CIFE is a professional association representing UK independent sixth-form colleges. Its members specialize in preparing students, typically aged 16 and over, for university entrance through A-levels, GCSEs, and foundation courses. CIFE colleges are characterized by small class sizes, flexible course structures, and a focus on individual academic needs, often catering to students resitting exams or transitioning from international systems. Membership requires rigorous inspection by recognized bodies (such as the ISI or Ofsted) to ensure high standards of teaching, pastoral care, and governance.

The Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference is a professional association representing and supporting the leaders of Catholic independent schools in the United Kingdom and overseas. Its primary objective is to promote and assist the holistic education of children within a distinct Catholic ethos. The association provides a forum for Headteachers and Governors to network, share best practices, and engage in professional development. Additionally, CISC acts as a unified voice for the sector, liaising with the Catholic Education Service (CES) and other national bodies to represent the interests of Catholic independent education.

COBIS is a global membership association representing over 450 British international schools and suppliers worldwide. It serves as a representative body for the British education sector overseas, focusing on school improvement, safeguarding, and professional development. COBIS operates a quality assurance scheme known as the Patron’s Accreditation and Compliance system, which validates schools against specific standards. The organisation aims to represent member interests to governments and educational bodies while facilitating teacher recruitment and training. It is governed by an elected Board consisting principally of heads and governors from member schools.

CReSTeD is a registered charity that helps parents and educational advisers choose schools for children with Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), specifically dyslexia. Its primary function is to maintain an authoritative, up-to-date Register of schools and teaching centres that have been inspected and accredited for their SpLD provision. While it does not advise on broader school choices, it ensures that listed institutions meet strict criteria for supporting students with dyslexia, dyspraxia, and related learning needs.

Founded in 1918, the Choir Schools' Association (CSA) promotes the education and welfare of choristers and supports the schools that educate them. It represents approximately 44 schools attached to cathedrals, churches, and college chapels across the UK, most of which are independent. The association functions as a support network for members, sharing best practices in choral education and pastoral care. Additionally, the CSA operates as a charity, administering bursaries (such as the Chorister Fund) to ensure financial barriers do not prevent talented children from accessing choristerships.

ECIS is a non-profit global membership organisation founded in 1965, originally as the European Council of International Schools. Now operating worldwide, it focuses on the professional growth of educators and the advancement of international education. The association provides professional learning, qualifications, and conferences designed to foster leadership, inclusion, and pedagogical excellence. ECIS connects member schools and partners to share best practices and innovative strategies, aiming to "transform lives through international education" by supporting the specific needs of the international school community.

ESHA is the leading professional organization for school leaders across Europe, including significant representation from the UK. It acts as an umbrella body connecting national associations of school heads (such as ASCL in the UK) to facilitate the exchange of best practices, research, and policy development. For UK independent school leaders, ESHA provides a vital platform for international networking, professional development through biennial conferences, and a broader perspective on educational leadership challenges beyond the domestic sector.

The GSA acts as the professional association for the Heads of leading independent girls' schools in the United Kingdom. A constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the organization advocates for the specific benefits of single-sex education, aiming to empower young women to become confident leaders. Beyond advocacy, it provides professional development for teachers, promotes high academic standards, and serves as a representative voice for the girls' school sector in media and government policy discussions.

HMC is a professional association representing the heads of many of the world's leading independent schools. Historically associated with the great public schools, its membership is now diverse, including co-educational, single-sex, day, and boarding schools for pupils aged 11-18. Membership is considered a kitemark of global quality, innovation, and excellence in education. The conference enables members to share best practices, provides professional development, and offers a collective voice to influence national and international educational policy, championing high standards in all aspects of school life.

IAPS is a professional association for Headteachers of leading independent preparatory schools in the UK and overseas. Member schools, which educate pupils up to the age of 13+, must meet stringent criteria for entry and are subject to regular inspection, ensuring high standards of education and pastoral care. The association provides its members with professional support, training, and a collective voice, promoting excellence in the preparatory school sector. It represents over 670 of the world's leading prep schools, making it one of the largest independent school associations.

Founded in 1995, the IBSC is a not-for-profit global organization dedicated to the education and development of boys, the professional growth of those who work with them, and the advancement of schools for boys. Representing nearly 300 member schools across more than 20 countries, the coalition champions best practices in boys' education through collaborative research, advocacy, and professional development opportunities such as annual conferences and online programs. It is governed by a board of trustees with international representation.

IBSCA is the official association representing International Baccalaureate (IB) schools and colleges across the UK and Ireland. It serves as a support network for institutions offering IB programmes, facilitating collaboration, sharing best practices, and providing authorised professional development for educators. The association acts as a vital bridge between member schools and the International Baccalaureate Organisation (IBO), while also advocating for the value of IB education to universities, government bodies, and the wider educational sector.

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.

The Independent Schools' Bursars Association (ISBA) is the leading organisation supporting the business management of independent schools in the UK. It provides professional support, advice, and guidance to bursars and business managers to help them manage their schools effectively. The association offers a range of services, including training, conferences, and publications, to its member schools, which include over 1,300 independent schools across the UK and internationally. ISBA is a constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and represents the interests of its members to government and other agencies.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is a non-profit organisation that represents over 1,400 independent schools in the UK and overseas. It acts as a unifying voice for its seven member associations, advocating for the interests of the independent education sector. The ISC provides information and research on independent schools, including its annual census, and works to promote partnerships between independent and state schools.

The London 11+ Consortium is a collective of approximately 14 independent girls’ day schools in London that coordinates entrance assessments to streamline the admissions process. Established to reduce stress for candidates applying to multiple institutions, member schools utilise a single, unified bespoke assessment covering cognitive ability, problem-solving, and analysis. This ensures students sit only one test, the results of which are shared among the schools to which they have applied. The Consortium aims to provide a fair, less stressful, and robust entry mechanism for Year 7 applicants across the capital's leading girls' schools.

The professional membership body for Montessori schools and early years settings in the United Kingdom. It aims to support and develop high standards of Montessori education through teacher training, professional development, and the Montessori Evaluation and Accreditation Board (MEAB) scheme. The association acts as a representative voice for the Montessori sector, advocating for its child-centred educational philosophy within the wider context of UK independent and state education.

The PSHE Association is the national body for Personal, Social, Health and Economic (PSHE) education in England. Operating as a registered charity and membership organization, it supports a network of over 50,000 teachers and professionals with resources, training, and policy advice. Its primary mission is to raise the standards of PSHE education, ensuring that all pupils acquire the practical knowledge and skills necessary to manage their lives, now and in the future. The Association works closely with government bodies to help shape statutory guidance and curriculum frameworks.

PaJeS is the central service organisation for the UK's Jewish school sector, acting as the operating arm of the Jewish Schools Network. Working with approximately 80% of Jewish schools, it provides strategic support, professional development, and educational resources. The association focuses on key areas such as curriculum development, leadership training, public affairs, and student wellbeing. PaJeS facilitates collaboration between schools and represents the sector to the government and other stakeholders, aiming to ensure the sustainability and excellence of Jewish education across the country.

Round Square is an international network of schools in 50 countries that share a commitment to character education and experiential learning. Founded on the educational theories of philosopher Kurt Hahn, member schools adhere to the 'IDEALS' pillars: Internationalism, Democracy, Environment, Adventure, Leadership, and Service. The organisation acts as a registered charity, facilitating student exchanges, global conferences, and collaborative service projects. Its primary aim is to develop global competence and character, ensuring member schools integrate holistic personal development alongside academic rigour.

The Steiner Waldorf Schools Fellowship (SWSF) is the membership organisation for Steiner Waldorf schools and early years settings in the UK and Ireland. Often trading as Waldorf UK, it acts as a representative body that promotes and supports Waldorf education. The Fellowship provides quality assurance, facilitates teacher training, coordinates advocacy with government bodies, and supports the governance and management of its member schools.

The Society of Heads is a professional association representing the leaders of approximately 150 well-established independent schools in the UK and overseas. A constituent member of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), it was founded in 1961 to provide a supportive network for heads of diverse institutions, including co-educational, single-sex, boarding, and specialist arts schools. The Society focuses on fostering a non-elitist, holistic approach to education, facilitating professional development, and promoting high standards through sharing best practices among its community of school leaders.

A global network established in 1953, ASPnet links over 11,500 educational institutions in 182 countries to support international understanding, peace, intercultural dialogue, and sustainable development. It functions as a "laboratory of ideas," where member schools—including many UK independent schools—integrate UNESCO values (such as the UN Sustainable Development Goals) into their curricula and operations. While coordinated globally by UNESCO Headquarters in Paris, the UK branch is managed by the UK National Commission for UNESCO, with day-to-day coordination delegated to the Steve Sinnott Foundation.