The UK’s 2,000+ independent schools vary in size from 50 pupils to 2,500. The majority are non-selective, many run on a not-for-profit basis.
Independent schools serve around 550,000 pupils, an increasing number of whom receive financial support. Many work in partnership with their state counterparts on projects such as applications to university, careers advice, or by supplying teaching resource.
Independent schools save the state sector £3.5bn+ per year through parents (who pay taxes to support state education) not taking up state school places. The sector contributes £1 billion annually to education exports, is respected across the world and is attractive to overseas companies re-locating families to the UK.