the independent schools association
Great Chesterford, Essex,
The Independent Schools Association (ISA) is the registered charity that
represents the Heads of over 600 of the UK’s best independent schools. We
provide our Members and their staff with a wide range of membership services,
including high quality training courses and conferences, networking
opportunities, advice and support, and we actively pursue our charitable
objectives by supporting a wide range of charities. Founded in 1878, ISA is one
of the oldest of the organisations for the heads of independent schools. We are
proud of our reputation for offering warmth and professional, practical advice,
and are delighted to offer an expanding range of benefits for our Members,
including the provision of up-to-date information and legal advice, regional
support, value-for-money training and competing opportunities for pupils. The
Association is governed by the: Articles of the Association ISA works closely
with Headteachers and with other professional bodies to promote excellence in
independent education. We seek to influence the national educational debate on
behalf of our Members, while promoting independence and choice. Our Values ISA
Members value innovation and inspiration, building on the best traditions to
promote integrity, high standards, industry and responsibility. We value the
diversity of our Members’ schools which cover the complete age range and vary in
size and nature, from early years to senior, boarding and day, all-through
schools, co-educational and single gender, and specialist schools in the arts
and music. All Members and their schools share a desire to meet fully the needs
of the young people in their care, treating everyone as individuals and
providing a high-quality and personalised education. They encourage pupils to
make the most of their talents, building confidence through academic achievement
and offering a wide range of extra-curricular opportunities. ISA exists for its
Members, recognising that high quality support is essential if Heads are to run
successful schools. ISA is a heads’ association, founding member of the
Independent Schools Council and registered charity, whose Members are head
teachers or principals of independent schools, or Honorary Members who serve the
sector. Occasionally, reference is informally made to “ISA Schools” as a form of
shorthand; in fact the correct reference should be “ISA Members’ schools” – i.e.
schools where the headteacher has been elected to full membership of the
Association.
