Why choose a fee paying school?

In a recent article in the Independent Schools Magazine, Head of Ipswich High School, Suffolk, Oona Carlin articulates reasons why people choose independent schools. So why choose to send your child to a fee-paying school? One reason and this is a truism of some of our admissions, is that local state schools might not meet all individual needs; the typically large pupil numbers may seem overwhelming. “More often, parents choose an independent education because of the added activities and support beyond the curriculum… It is often about the rounded education an independent school can offer and the broader curriculum which is not as restricted as in many state schools” At Heathfield Knoll, we have a range of opportunities for pupils to extend their minds outside of the classroom. Our after-school programme is extremely varied and includes musical theatre, sports, photography, gardening and so much more. Ms Carlin also discusses how independent schools “have invested more money in learning support”. At HKS we have just opened our new and improved Learning Support Base and subsequent investment will continue this next term. The support is available not only for pupils who have been diagnosed with specific learning needs but also is open to pupils who benefit from stretch and challenge or specific interventions at GCSE. At HKS we offer a bespoke education for your child where teaching and learning fit around the individual. We achieve this, in part, through keeping class sizes small, investing in relationships and paying attention to the small details. Independent education is not cheap and we have a responsibility that by carefully investing in each child, we achieve the best in everyone.