Dear Colleague
I'd like to draw your attention to some brilliant (and free!) CPD that the Independent Schools Portal has that is coming up. On the 5th March, it's all about Virtual Explorations: History Learning through multimedia, on the 12th March we have Co-commercial strategies for success and AI in Education: An Introduction. Finally, on the 19th March we have the Employment Law Update for Schools.

I strongly recommend these to you and interested colleagues.

We've also had some great feedback for our paid Preparing for Headship Course,with several success stories from the last few months, and don't forget that there are still a few online and in-person tickets still available for the 5th ISP Marketing Conference; the programme for this is simply outstanding.

I hope that you find these of use and I wish you a great week.

As ever,
David.
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David Winfield
Founder, Independent Schools Portal.

The speaker lineup includes:

Two keynote addresses: Sarah Cunnane, Head of Media and Communications at the ISC and Mark Brealey, former BBC Journalist and advisor to some of the most high profile public sector individuals on how to handle press and crisis situations.

Two case studies: Hear from fellow professionals - Jo Phillips from Giggleswick School and Laura Booth from Hymers College will be sharing their experiences.

Two topical sessions: We will hear from Sophy Walker as to how AI can aid your admissions  and marketing. Sally Alexander will also look at what we can do to drive admissions in the current period of economic uncertainty. 

Two sessions of your choosing:  An opportunity to choose the topic causing your school most consternation, from SEO to Social Media to Research to websites. These sessions will enable you to tailor your day to suit YOUR school

This really is an excellent opportunity to ensure your marketing and admissions is at the forefront and available for just £45. Sign up now to benefit from an early bird ticket.

Written and presented by Tom Packer
To be a successful school leader, at whatever level, the ability and willingness on all sides to engage in a difficult conversation is vital. Yet all too often such conversations are avoided, or conflicting demands met with appeasement, with sometimes disastrous results. This course prepares you and your stakeholders to actively engage in open and honest conversations. You will learn well tried and tested tips and techniques with direct relevance to everyday school experience. Find out more and book.

​AI in Education - An Introduction. Free CPD webinar - Wednesday 12th March 2025. 1930-2030.
Using AI in your teaching and equipping pupils with the skills to know how and when to use it themselves is vital. We will look at how AI can transform your teaching and learning. This session will delivered by leading expert Darren Coxon. Darren speaks regularly around the world on the topic of AI in education and is a leading expert. Book your place.

​Curriculum review should incentivise schools to teach 'employment skills'
Education Secretary says Birbalsingh's account of meeting 'not as it was'.
Four ways to stop accidentally distracting your students (TES - Subscription Required)
School breakfast clubs in England will be used to justify the two child benefit cap

​Please share this newsletter with colleagues so that they are able to subscribe
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In an ever-changing world, education must evolve to equip students with the skills, knowledge, and critical thinking needed for the future. Independent schools, with their unique level of autonomy, are well-positioned to be at the forefront of educational innovation. Free from many of the bureaucratic constraints that often limit state schools, independent schools can experiment with new teaching methods, incorporate cutting-edge technology, and develop creative curricula. By embracing these opportunities, independent schools can set benchmarks for the wider education sector, fostering a wave of change that benefits students beyond their own walls.

Autonomy: The Key to Innovation
One of the greatest advantages that independent schools have is their freedom to innovate. Unlike state-funded schools, independent schools are not bound by the national curriculum or the same levels of government oversight. This allows them to design and implement their own curricula, tailor teaching methods to meet the needs of their students, and trial new technologies without needing to navigate extensive and bureaucratic approval processes.

For example, while state schools may need to adhere to strict testing and assessment guidelines, independent schools can adopt more holistic approaches to education. They can focus on nurturing critical thinking, creativity, and problem-solving skills—competencies that are increasingly important in the modern world. This autonomy allows for the development of unique, forward-thinking educational models that prioritise student well-being and engagement, setting standards for what education could look like across the board.

Adopting Innovative Teaching Methods
One of the most important ways independent schools can lead educational innovation is by experimenting with and adopting new teaching methodologies. Progressive schools around the world are continue to shift from traditional, teacher-centred approaches to more student-centred learning models, such as inquiry-based learning, project-based learning, and flipped classrooms.

Inquiry-based learning encourages students to ask questions, explore topics deeply, and discover answers for themselves, fostering independent thinking and curiosity. Similarly, project-based learning allows students to engage in hands-on, real-world projects that develop problem-solving and collaboration skills. Independent schools, with smaller class sizes and more flexible structures, are ideally placed to implement these kinds of methodologies and refine them based on results.

The flipped classroom model, where students study instructional content (often via video or podcast content), engage in interactive activities or discussions in the classroom, is another teaching strategy that has been successfully implemented in some independent schools, with a notable example being Brampton College. By focusing classroom time on active learning rather than passive lecture, this model can lead to better student outcomes and more meaningful engagement.

Harnessing the Power of Technology
Technology is playing an increasingly central role in education, and independent schools have the freedom and resources to be early adopters of new tools. From virtual reality (VR) experiences to artificial intelligence (AI) tutoring systems, independent schools can use technology to create more engaging and personalised learning environments.

Virtual reality offers a particularly exciting opportunity for education. Independent schools can use VR to transport students to historical events, explore scientific phenomena up close, or even travel to different parts of the world—all without leaving the classroom. This kind of immersive learning is not only more engaging but can also lead to a deeper understanding of complex concepts.

AI-driven platforms that provide personalised learning experiences are increasingly gaining traction. These systems can adapt to individual students’ learning styles and paces, offering customised feedback and support. Independent schools, which often have more flexibility in their budgets and infrastructure, can more readily experiment with and implement such cutting-edge tools to enhance the learning experience.

Creating Dynamic and Future-Ready Curricula
Curriculum design is another area where independent schools can truly lead. Because they are not bound to a national curriculum, they have the freedom to develop courses that reflect the demands of the 21st century, focusing on the skills and knowledge students will need in the future workforce.

Many independent schools have already taken the lead by introducing subjects such as coding, robotics, and entrepreneurship from a young age. These subjects not only prepare students for future careers but also develop critical thinking, creativity, and adaptability. Additionally, independent schools can integrate interdisciplinary learning, where subjects like science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) are taught alongside the humanities to develop well-rounded learners.

Schools can also focus on sustainability education, teaching students how to address global challenges like climate change. By developing curricula that incorporate environmental awareness, independent schools can foster a generation of students who are not only academically capable but also socially and ethically conscious.

Sharing Innovation with the Wider Education Sector
Independent schools have the ability to pioneer new educational methods, but they also have a responsibility to share their learnings with the broader education community. By collaborating with state schools, participating in research projects, or hosting conferences, independent schools can ensure that successful innovations have a wider impact. Many independent schools are already engaged in partnerships with state schools, sharing resources and best practices, which helps to drive improvement across the sector.

Additionally, independent schools can contribute to educational research by conducting studies on new teaching methods or technologies and sharing the results. This not only elevates the standard of education within independent schools but also contributes to the advancement of education more broadly.

Conclusion
​Independent schools in the UK are uniquely placed to drive educational innovation. Their autonomy, access to resources, and ability to experiment allow them to adopt new teaching methods, integrate advanced technology, and create dynamic curricula that prepare students for the future. By leading in these areas, independent schools can set benchmarks for the wider education sector, ensuring that innovations in education ultimately benefit all students, regardless of the type of school they attend. As independent schools continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in education, they play a vital role in shaping a future where all students can thrive.
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Have you registered for the Independent Schools Portal FREE webinar series for independent schools academic staff yet? Click here to find out more and sign up.