SKOPOS - Internet research / panels



ISIS Survey on Independent Schools Released
26/5/01



Class size has become the biggest single reason for parents choosing an independent education for their children. This is according to the latest ISIS "Why and How Parents Choose Independent Schools", survey of parents of children recently admitted to independent schools, carried out by MORI.

The findings reveal that smaller classes are cited more often than any other reason for choosing independent rather than state schools. A total of 36% of parents, surveyed during the spring term 2001, cited class size as their principal reason for choosing an independent education - up from 25% in the last survey in 1997. Amongst prep school parents, the proportion citing class size was even higher at 46%. The survey continues by showing that the proportion of parents choosing independent schools because they find the state alternative unsatisfactory has not significantly changed since 1989. In the 12 years that ISIS has commissioned these major surveys, the proportion rejecting state schools has remained virtually unchanged - despite initiatives by governments of both major parties to improve standards - at just over 20%. Amongst the other major reasons cited by parents for their choice were: higher standards (21%), better facilities (15%), sports facilities (12%), a wider curriculum (11 %) and better and more committed teachers (11%). The parents questioned in the study were those whose children had entered their current independent school, whether preparatory of senior, during the last year. Amongst other major findings were:

  • Nearly four out of ten families are "first-time buyers'"(i.e. neither parent attended an independent school) - down from half of all families in 1997.
  • About half of all families considered state schools before opting for an independent school.
  • A quarter of families have other children in state schools.
  • Pupils entering senior independent schools were less likely than in 1997 to have previously attended an independent prep or pre-prep school.
  • One-third of prep school parents plan to send their child, especially if she is a girl, to a single-sex school.
  • Class sizes, discipline and good quality teachers are the key reasons in the final choice of an independent school, each cited by eight in ten parents.
  • Most parents are satisfied with their children's independent school; 80% say that they are very or totally satisfied.
National ISIS director David Woodhead commented, "Educationalists argue about how much difference class size makes. Parents apply a common sense equation - smaller classes mean more individual attention. And more attention means more personal fulfilment. That is what they find in independent schools - and what their fees will buy." MORI’s main conclusion is summed up in the report as "Parents are becoming increasingly discriminating when selecting an independent school. They are more concerned about specific advantages that they perceive independent education to offer, such as smaller class sizes, high quality teachers, discipline and an environment which enables children to take a responsible attitude to their work." The 2001 sample was drawn from 100 schools selected from the ISC/ISIS membership to be representative of the total membership, of which 63 agreed to take part. A total of 1578 parents were sent questionnaires, of which 723 were returned.