The Independent Schools Council?s annual census has found an increase in pupil and boarder numbers, demonstrating that a private-school education has become more of a priority for families, especially post-pandemic, writes Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the Independent Schools Council 
Earlier this year we published our Annual Census for 2022, which provides a picture of where independent schools sit within the UK?s education landscape. The report describes the situation in January, when many aspects of schooling were still far from normal. The data therefore provides further insight into the ongoing impact of the pandemic on the independent sector, as well as starting to describe the road to recovery.  
For me there are many interesting findings, such as the fact that pupil numbers grew to reach a record high, despite the impact of Covid-19 on the ability of pupils to travel to the UK and, for some parents, loss of income. Every region in the UK has seen an increase in independent school-pupil numbers, and there has been a healthy growth in the number of boarders too, with the trend in recent years to weekly and flexi-boarding continuing. Credit: Cottesmore School
It?s clear that independent schools remain a popular choice for families, offering a broad educational package that includes excellent academic standards, character-building opportunities, activities outside the classroom, and outstanding levels of pastoral care. 
Reassuringly, we’ve once again seen a rise ...