Attain Independent Schools Guide: 2025

The Attain Independent Schools' Guide 2025 helps you make one of the hardest decisions you can take on behalf of your child. It deliberately doesn't tell you which private schools are the best in the country for exam success or rank the best for sport. It does not list the best headteachers nor frankly tell you 'the best' at anything.

What it does explain is why seeking out 'the best' for your child is one of the most unhelpful things you can do as a parent. It shows you where to focus your thoughts and what matters when evaluating different schools. You will see how marketing spin, league tables, awards and other unhelpful influences can get in the way. And it highlights the practical things which can make or break a choice of school.

Written by Matthew Smith, who has worked with the independent schools' sector for 25 years, the Attain Guide covers the things to consider the head, pastoral care, curriculum and extracurricular through to the things to avoid. The book highlights the importance of logistics, the value of inspection reports and how ultimately to make an informed decision.

And to help in the process of shortlisting, details of over 700 independent schools are included in our Schools' Directory section.

This book will tell you how to find the right school for your unique child and be confident in that judgment. See more