Independent Schools Association was founded in 1879 and is one of the oldest of the independent schools’ organisations. It exists to provide professional support to the Head teachers, to provide training opportunities for Heads and their Staff, and to offer a wide range of sport and cultural activities to the pupils in our schools, which number around 300. There is an annual Art Competition, a Drama Festival and Essay competitions for each age-group. Local and national ISA fixtures are arranged for Athletics, Cross-country, Gymnastics, Hockey, Netball, Rugby, Soccer and Swimming. These competitions are arranged by Area Representatives for Sports and for Arts Competitions, culminating in ISA national competitions.
For details of ISA awards - The Whitbread Memorial Prize, the ISA University Bursary, and the Award for Excellence, please see the relevant page in the Home section of this menu.
ISA schools are listed according to the seven ISA geographical areas in the ‘ISA school search’ part of this website. ISA schools vary widely in terms of size and age range. Some are Junior Schools to age 11 (or in some cases Pre-Prep schools with an age range to 7 or 8); some are Senior Schools (11–16 or 18) and others cater for the full age range to 16 or 18. Approximately 65 have some boarders. A small number are Special Schools or schools which specialise in Dance, Music and Drama. They are all characterised by the fact that their excellence is assured by regular inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate which is itself monitored by Ofsted.
Parents looking for schools might like to start with the ‘ISA school search’ section of this website and also use the website of the Independent Schools Council (www.isc.co.uk) which includes all 1270 accredited independent schools.
Teachers seeking employment in the independent sector should not contact ISA. Job opportunities can be accessed in the ‘ISA vacancies’ section of this website, in the Times Educational Supplement (www.tesjobs.co.uk) and via agencies, many of whom advertise in the Times Educational Supplement.
Heads of schools interested in becoming members of ISA should contact the Chief Executive Officer and ask for a folder of information and an application form. We expect applicants to have Qualified Teacher Status. The school will be subject to the same inspection as is carried out every six years for all ISC schools, unless the school has had a recent Ofsted section 162 inspection, in which case it may be possible to carry out a shorter inspection.
Contact details: ISA, 1 Boys’ British School, East Street, Saffron Walden, Essex CB10 1LS Telephone 01799 523619. Fax 01799 524892. Email isa@isaschools.org.uk
Independent Schools Association is a company limited by guarantee. Registered in England No. 45867. Registered Office: The Courtyard, Shoreham Road, Upper Beeding, Steyning, West Sussex BN44 3TN