Independent Schools - GCSE Sociology Definition

Independent schools, also known as private schools, are educational institutions in the UK that operate outside the control of the government and are funded by tuition fees paid by families rather than by state funding. These schools have the flexibility to set their own curriculum and admissions policies and often have smaller class sizes, allowing for more personalised teaching approaches.

Unlike state schools, independent schools are not required to follow the National Curriculum, though many choose to offer a curriculum that prepares students for standard qualifications like GCSEs and A-levels. They are often associated with providing high-quality education, extracurricular opportunities, and facilities, though they can also perpetuate social inequalities due to their high costs, making them accessible primarily to families with greater financial resources.