During the recent election campaign far too much was said and written that was negative about independent schools (the narrative about privilege), that was worrying for parents and pupils (fee increases and closures) and that was divisive (between state and independent schools). It is now worth a moment to think more positively and more locally, to look ahead and to actually put children first.

Firstly, let’s think locally. One remarkable feature of the opinion polls over the campaign was that the public approval for independent education increased, but not by much. When asked about their local independent school, the approval moved from 30% to 60% - doubling over the campaign. This shows us that the increased visibility of the sector made those around independent schools more aware of what they do, how they fit into the fabric of local education and support the local economy and to see our contribution in a positive light. Looking ahead we have a great opportunity to build on those partnerships, to be sure that schools are well integrated with the locality and to work together with purpose to improve the aspirations and outcomes for all our children. That is certainly our intention at Bolton School.

And that is the second point. It is obvious we should all care about all the children. Any discussion about 93% of pupils in state schools and 7% in independent schools misses the point that 100% of pupils are at school and those schools are very varied. Neither state nor independent schools are all the same – they vary in size, in purpose, in location. What they have in common is a wish to use education as a force for good, to be aspirational and improve life chances for young people. The language of division is not helpful. The language of partnership, cooperation and collaboration is essential. An excellent example of this is the Bolton Learning Partnership, whose stated purpose is to improve the life chances of all the 19,000 pupils in Bolton.

Thinking locally, about what we know - rather than what we hear - also helps with the narrative of unfair privilege and worry about fees and school closures. It is perfectly obvious that our parents are not all very wealthy. Some are, of course. Most are not. They are just people who have made choices for their children. We all do that all the time. Many schools have substantial bursary programmes. At Bolton School 1 in 5 pupils have a bursary. Choosing an independent school is no different to choosing the right catchment area for an excellent state school or preparing for a grammar school entrance process. This wrangling that was a feature of the campaign between those who have choices in society misses the point. Independent schools are part of the answer. We are not the problem. All our focus should be on the children who have none of those choices and where bursaries to great independent schools and partnerships with them can make all the difference.

Thinking locally will also help independent school parents who are worried about fee increases and closures. The national narrative has been dramatic. But look locally – at what your independent school is saying and doing about fees. They will know their parents and know that things need to be worked through. At Bolton School we will share any VAT burden with parents, and we will smooth any fee changes for them. This is fair and right and puts the children first. No child should have to move school, either within the sector or between sectors, unless it is absolutely essential. Education is, after all, about the future and the children in school now are all our futures.

https://www.boltonschool.org/