What is ISAC Direct?
ISAC Direct (Independent Schools & Colleges Direct) is not a typical recruitment agency. We are an association of excellent independent schools, all of which will help children thrive as they are encouraged to realise their full potential in every area of their studies, both at school and beyond.
What can we do for you?
We will help you identify and gain admission to the most suitable independent school for your child. The process starts with a free consultation and advice on how to start your search. We will then guide you through the entire admissions process.
Why ISAC Direct?
ISAC Direct offers a unique opportunity to streamline the admissions process to UK independent schools. Selecting and applying to the right school for your child has never been easier.
We simplify the admissions process for you by offering:
A single application form
If you apply directly to several schools, you would usually be required to complete a separate application form for each school.
By applying through ISAC Direct you will only need to complete a single application form which will be submitted to the schools* you choose to shortlist.
Once a place at a school has been accepted, there will be additional forms to complete and we will assistyou with this.
*this applies to schools listed on our portal only
A single registration fee
If you apply directly to several schools, you will be required to pay a registration fee to each school.
No matter how many schools* you apply to, using ISAC Direct means you pay only one registration fee.
*this applies to schools listed on our portal only
A single set of written exams
Many independent schools ask your child to sit their own entrance exams as part of the admissions process. Thus the more schools you apply to, the more exams your child has to sit.
Through ISAC Direct, no matter how many schools * you apply to, your child will only need to sit one set of exams which will be accepted by all the schools on our portal.
However, there are some schools which use Common Entrance Exams whilst some non-selective schools do not require applicants to sit any formal entrance exams at all. In either of these cases, ISAC Direct will again assist your child with whichever process is necessary.
*this applies to schools listed on our portal only
In addition, you will have DIRECT access to the member schools, enabling you to address your questions to them and access the latest information regarding scholarships etc.
Further advantages of ISAC Direct
All the information you need regarding each school listed on our portal is up-to-date and concise.
There is no need for you to trawl through each school’s website to locate this information.
Reliable and concise information for each school listed.
The information about each school has been provided by the school itself and has not been edited by ISAC Direct.
A comprehensive tool for school selection, with excellent support from our team
Schools differ widely in their provision. ISAC Direct will simplify the selection of the right school for your child.
Access to special terms offered by member schools
Full details of scholarships, bursaries and any fee discounts offered by member schools will be accessible via our portal.
The opportunity to talk directly with teachers to assist the decision-making process.
We want to offer pupils the opportunity to talk to subject teachers to ensure they are making the correct choices.
Our favourite schools
Lime House School
Carlisle, Cumbria
7-18 y.o.
Co-educational
A small “family” school where each and every child receives individual attention meaning pupils achieve outstanding results. STEM results are particularly impressive and the Business and Economics department is a sector leader. Pupils go on to leading institutions.
Read more
Learn moreLuckley House School
Wokingham, Berkshire
11-18 y.o.
Co-educational
Once girls only, the school became co-educational and expanded its horizons offering both boys and girls a strong academic environment. In a great location nearer to London and with consistent high exam achievement, it is an ideal option for many parents.
Read more
Learn moreStamford Endowed Schools
Stamford, Lincolnshire
3-18 y.o.
Diamond
Rather than the more traditional closed site schools, Stamford Endowed Schools are located in and near the centre of this famous historical town and are very much a part of the local community. In this way, children have the unique experience of living in a traditional English town which is reputed to be one of the safest in the UK. As a Diamond school, boys and girls are taught separately or together depending on age.
Read more
Learn moreRoyal Hospital School
Holbrook, Suffolk
11-18 y.o.
Co-educational
Formerly a Naval school and now a superbly equipped boarding school still retaining the discipline, pride and uniform of the past. The qualities of self-discipline and self-confidence are instilled in every pupil through the combination of academic study, physical development and an extensive range of outdoor activities.
Read more
Learn moreWarminster School
Warminster, Wiltshire
2-18 y.o.
Co-educational
A traditional British boarding school set only 5 minutes from the centre of a welcoming English town. The school beautifully blends ancient and modern in its buildings and pupils are vocally enthusiastic about the science subjects in particular.
Read more
Learn moreStonar School
Atworth, Wiltshire
2-18 y.o.
Co-educational
A small school yet ranked amongst the top performers for ‘value-added’, Stonar is able to offer small classes giving maximum pupil attention and is an excellent option for those needing to improve their academic performance. Further, recognised as having one of best equestrian centres of any school in the UK and with world class facilities, it is also a fantastic option for talented.
Read more
Learn moreSt Lawrence College
Ramsgate, Kent
3-18 y.o.
Co-educational
Exactly the sort of school all international parents imagine when thinking of a British school. Within walking distance of the sea and a pretty seaside town, the school has excellent facilities and a very high standard of pupil accommodation.
Read more
Learn moreQueen Margaret's School
Escrick, North Yorkshire
11-18 y.o.
Girls only
The quintessential girls school where pupils develop their skills and self-confidence to achieve everything they wish in life. With 70% of exam results at the highest grades, it is academically strong and this combined with a very large campus, lots of sport and activities produces happy and successful young ladies.
Read more
Learn moreMoreton Hall School
Oswestry, Shropshire
0-18 y.o.
Co-ed (0-13 y.o.); Girls only (13-18 y.o.)
Formerly a girls only school but now also accepting boys up to the age of 13. The school boasts impressive exam results and has an international study centre where overseas pupils reach the appropriate levels before transferring to mix with local pupils.
Read more
Learn moreSt Edmund’s School
Canterbury, Kent
3-18 y.o.
Co-educational
A beautiful traditional boarding school on the outskirts of a world famous Cathedral city and UNESCO World Heritage Site yet not too far from London. The school pays close attention not only to academic progress but also to spiritual development, music and the arts. Sports is definitely not neglected either - you name it, they do it.
Read more
Learn moreWellesley House School
Broadstairs, Kent
3-13 y.o.
Co-educational
Located in a seaside town in southern England, this “family” school has its own beach access for its young pupils (up to 13 years). As a small school, it is able to offer its children individual attention allowing them to truly reach their potential and unleash their talents.
Read more
Learn moreTaunton School
Taunton, Somerset
0-18 y.o.
Co-educational
A large school with very impressive facilities offering a combination of wide ranging academic programmes and co-curricular activities. International pupils are particularly welcomed here - being taught in separate programmes till they reach the level of the local pupils. The school is founded on a combination of diversity and versatility.
Read more
Learn moreOswestry School
Oswestry, Shropshire
4-18 y.o.
Co-educational
One of the oldest schools in England set amidst truly beautiful green countryside. Small enough to know everyone’s name but big enough not to feel cramped. The Head Chef provides truly outstanding meals ensuring successful learning through a combination of healthy food and pure air.
Read more
Learn moreHow to choose schools
via ISAC Direct
On our portal you can select schools by:
Fees
Fees will vary from school to school. Generally, fees are lower at schools in remote areas of the country, but this is not always the case. Schools with a good boarding provision may be less expensive than those where students live with host families.
We can help you to identify schools that fit your budget.
Educational Programmes
Independent schools in the UK do not all follow the same curriculum. Different programmes are offered, and many will use a combination of programmes.
With the help of our selection tool you will be able to choose the educational programme that is best suited to your child.
If you would like advice about available programmes, please book a free online consultation and a member of the team will be pleased to help you make the right choice for your child.
Selectivity / Academic Results
Many schools have a rigorous selection process and are best suited to those who are highly academic.
Academic progress is an individual thing and depends on a range of factors. In some cases, children thrive better, are happier and achieve more in a less academically pressurised atmosphere.
We will guide you through the process from start to finish, helping you to make the right choice for your child and ensuring they achieve their full potential.
Pastoral Support / Learning Support
All independent schools pride themselves on offering outstanding pastoral support. They aim to provide a caring and supportive environment in which your child’s well-being is paramount.
Many schools are also able to offer excellent learning support should your child have additional needs.
We can provide more specific information about our member schools to ensure you make the right choice
Extra-curricular activities / Sport
All schools offer a vast range of extra-curricular activities, many of which are included in the fees. Some schools will specialise in certain activities or sports and may even run a professional academy, for example in football, tennis, sailing or golf.
We can help you identify which schools offer the particular activity or level of coaching that your child requires.
Boarding Accommodation
Boarding provision varies from school to school. Younger pupils will usually board in dormitories or rooms with four or more. The number of pupils per room reduces with age and many will benefit from single rooms from the age of 15. Ensuite accommodation is common at Sixth Form.
We can advise on the type of accommodation available at our member schools to enable you to choose a style that is right for your child.
We will be pleased to provide specific information about any school listed on the portal as required.
Your 7 step school admissions guide
Our services are to provide assistance at every stage of admission.
1
Request an initial consultation
We will be pleased to provide a free of charge consultation with one of leading specialists. Having learned more about your child, we will offer advice on school selection and how to embark on the admissions process.
Shortlist as many schools as you wish
By searching the schools on our portal you will be able to select those that are most suitable for your child.
Complete a single application form and pay a single registration fee
Having shortlisted schools, you will only be required to complete one application form. You will also need to send us your child’s previous schools reports and references which we will submit to the schools on your behalf. If required, we will also arrange a translation.
You will only need to pay a single registration fee which we will forward to the school you choose on your behalf.
Sit a single set of entrance exams
Rather than sitting separate exams for every school you wish to apply for a place at, your child will sit a single set of exams via our portal, the results of which will be shared with all the shortlisted schools.
Talk to the schools you wish to consider
You are welcome to submit additional questions to any school that is willing to consider your child for entry. You or your child will also be able to chat to specific subject teachers to assist with the decision-making process.
Have an interview
If a school is willing to consider your child for a place once they have reviewed the results of the entrance exams, they will arrange an interview with your child, either in person (depending on prevailing circumstances) or online.
An offer of a place may be made at this stage.
Arrange a school visit or virtual tour
Prior to accepting a place at a school, depending on the circumstances, you may arrange a visit or organise a virtual tour.
Offers are accepted or declined at this stage.
ISAC Direct will assist with the completion of the documentation required by the school, at no additional charge. Pupils joining from overseas will receive assistance with the visa application process, if required.