Find The Right School

In this Independent Schools Show panel discussion, education leaders explore the often-overlooked benefits of staying at prep school until 13 and why Years 6–8 can play such an important role in a child's academic, social and emotional development. Moderated by Fiona Hughes D'Aeth, Head of Content Strategy (Consultant) at the Independent Schools Show, the panel examines the differences b...

Should your teenager stay in London and enjoy everything the capital has to offer, or experience the unique opportunities of boarding school life? In this Independent Schools Show discussion, two leading school leaders explore one of the biggest decisions many families face: choosing between a London day school and a boarding school education outside the capital. From independence and personal dev...

What makes a highly academic school different and how can parents tell whether it would be the right environment for their child? In this Independent Schools Show panel discussion, moderated by Guy Schady-Beckett, Research & Digital Director, three leading London school heads explore what academic excellence looks like in practice, how selective admissions work, and the qualities schools look...

Applying to competitive independent schools can feel overwhelming. From 11+ and 13+ entrance exams to pre-tests, interviews and school selection strategies, parents are often left wondering what preparation really makes a difference. In this Independent Schools Show session, admissions experts from Bonas MacFarlane and Think Academy share practical advice on navigating the highly competitive schoo...

Recorded live at the Summer Independent Schools Show 2026 on the Muddy Stilettos Stage, this lively panel asks a question many families are quietly considering: is it time to leave London? With rising costs, changing priorities and the search for a better balance, the conversation explores what life beyond the capital could really look like - from more space and better value to a different pace of...

Recorded live at the Summer Independent Schools Show 2026 on the Muddy Stilettos Stage, this thoughtful discussion tackles the question every parent asks first: will my child actually be happy at school? Before grades, league tables or university destinations, parents want to know that their child feels safe, supported and truly known. Chaired by Hero Brown, the panel explores what happiness at sc...

Recorded live at the Summer Independent Schools Show 2026 on the Muddy Stilettos Stage, this candid panel discussion explores one of the biggest decisions parents face: how do you choose the right school for your child? With so much emphasis on league tables, open days and polished prospectuses, it can be hard to know what really matters. Chaired by Rachel Jane, this practical conversation cuts th...

Recorded live at the Summer Independent Schools Show 2026 on the Muddy Stilettos Stage, this inspiring panel explores why one size doesn’t fit all when it comes to education. Every child learns differently, with their own strengths, challenges and ways of engaging with the world. Chaired by Hero Brown, the discussion looks at how schools are adapting their teaching, pastoral care and wider environ...

Recorded live at the Summer Independent Schools Show 2026 on the Muddy Stilettos Stage, this practical and informative session tackles one of the biggest concerns for families considering independent education: the rising cost of school fees. With increasing pressure on household finances, the panel cuts through the headlines to offer clear, realistic guidance on how families can plan with confide...

What’s Really Going On in the Independent School Sector? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this fast-paced panel brings together leading education journalists and sector experts to unpack the biggest developments shaping the independent school landscape. Cutting through the headlines, the panel delivers rapid-fire insig...

What Makes a Good School? (South of the Thames) | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores what parents should consider when choosing a school south of the River Thames. With a wide variety of independent schools across South London and the surrounding areas, families often face a challenging decision about w...

What Is School Ethos – And Does It Matter? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores an important question for families choosing a school: how much does school ethos really matter? From schools with long-standing religious traditions and chapels to those with no religious focus at all, the schools represente...

How Important Are Buildings, Facilities & Location? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent panel explores one of the key questions families face when choosing a school: how much do buildings, facilities, and location really matter? When comparing schools in London with those beyond the M25 motorway, parents o...

Going Private: Moving from the State Sector | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing explores what families should consider when moving from state to independent education. Many parents wonder whether an independent school education is the right step for their child. In this panel discussion, leading schoo...

Heads Changing Places: How Important Is School Leadership? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores the impact that leadership can have on a school. When a new head arrives, parents often wonder what will change and what will stay the same. In this discussion, recently appointed school leaders share their p...

What Makes a Good School? (North of the Thames) | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this panel explores what parents should look for when choosing a school north of the River Thames. With a wide range of independent schools across North London and beyond, families often face difficult decisions about which environment wil...

Why Board? | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing explores the realities of modern boarding education and how it has evolved for today’s families. Hosted in partnership with the Boarding Schools' Association, a panel of experienced school leaders discusses what boarding really looks like toda and wh...

How Bursaries Transform Lives | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on Saturday 28 February 2026, this inspiring panel explores how bursaries can open life-changing opportunities for young people. Many families worry that their child might not “fit in” at an independent school. In this discussion, three bursary recipients share their personal e...

Jane Lunnon on the Changing London Landscape | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this parent briefing features Jane Lunnon, Head of Alleyn's School, in a wide-ranging conversation about the evolving education landscape in London. Under Jane Lunnon’s leadership, Alleyn’s has become one of London’s most sought-after co...

In Conversation: Liz Hewer, St Paul’s Girls’ School | Spring Independent Schools Show 2026 Recorded live at the Spring Independent Schools Show on 28 February 2026, this session features a thought-provoking conversation with Liz Hewer, High Mistress of St Paul's Girls' School. In this insightful parent briefing, Liz Hewer explores one of the biggest questions facing families today: how d...

Fees, takeovers, mergers, a hostile political climate – top education journalists and experts report on the latest private school news. In this opening panel from the Autumn Independent Schools Show our panel od experts explore the current landscape of private education in the UK. Our panel of experts delves into the challenges, opportunities, and evolving trends shaping independent schools today....

In this compelling episode of the Independent Schools Show podcast, Grace Moody-Stuart , Director at The Good Schools Guide , leads a thoughtful discussion with Caroline Gill , Director of Admissions at St Paul’s School , and Rick Clarke , Head of St James Senior Boys’ School . Together, they examine the evolving landscape of boys’ education in the 21st century - from mental health and identity to...

In this episode of the Independent Schools Show podcast, Melanie Sanderson from The Good Schools Guide chairs a conversation with senior leaders from three top schools outside the capital:  Gavin Horgan , Head of Millfield (Somerset) , John Maguire , Head of Bishop’s Stortford College (Hertfordshire) , and Heather Beeby , Deputy Director of Admissions at Lancing College (Sussex) .  Together, they...

In this thought-provoking episode of the Independent Schools Show podcast, Grace Moody-Stuart , Director at The Good Schools Guide , is joined by Adam Pettitt , Head of Highgate School , and Will Goldsmith , Head of Bedales . As leaders of two of the UK’s foremost co-educational schools, they explore the benefits, challenges, and long-term impact of educating boys and girls together. How does co-e...

In this episode of the Independent Schools Show podcast, Lucinda Lafferty from The Good Schools Guide leads a powerful discussion with three outstanding school leaders: Rachel Bailey , Headmistress of Benenden School ; Emma Watson , Head Designate of St Catherine’s, Bramley ; and Amy Wallace , Principal of Queen’s Gate School . Together, they explore how schools and parents can best support girls...