Welcome to the Independent Schools Show 2011

The diversity of the independent sector can be bewildering.

So to help parents, some familiar with private schools and some not, we founded The Independent Schools Show six years ago. The specialist and accessible exhibition space in Battersea Park was the ideal venue then, as it continues to be.

This year will be the largest show ever with at least 120 of the finest and best schools from all over Great Britain.

Between them they offer educational choice from pre-school to sixth form. But that’s not all. There are schools from Austria, from Australia, from Switzerland, India and America.

Come and talk to the schools’ representatives. Come and listen to our speakers in the Education Theatre, which includes Lord Wei, an entrepreneur with a particular passion for social reform, Nicholas Allen, Head of Newton Prep School in Battersea and Chair elect of the Independent Association of Preparatory Schools and Jim Hawkins, Head of Harrow School.

Educational language can be bewildering. What's the difference between an iGCSE and a GCSE? What's the difference between a Scholarship and a Bursary? Why the difference in fee levels? In our informal break out feature we will endeavour to answer these, and any other questions you may have. Topics will cover fees, tutoring, parenting methods and other burning topics.

So, whether you are a working parent starting to make a list of boarding schools to which your children might go, or are a family who want the best possible education and are looking into the independent sector for the first time, make sure you visit the longest running and most established exhibition of its type, the 'must attend' event for parents considering private education.

Wherever you go you will find our staff ready to help. Just ask. We pride ourselves, as indeed do all the schools exhibiting, on being open and friendly.

Register for tickets in advance and they will be free. So come along, learn about education, and then stroll along the embankment, take in the glorious views of London and the Thames, or take your children to the various playgrounds. We have a café with organic food, and a champagne bar, serving childrens’ cocktails too. There will be face painters, Sharkey & George and bouncy castles to keep children entertained.

What previous visitors have said:

ISS 2011 was a huge success with thousands of families leaving the show enlightened and reassured. Visitor comments included;

'A wonderful, wonderful resource for us - thank you'

'We found the talks provided an informative platform from which to work our way around the schools stands'

'Such a minefield - so much clearer now, we are so pleased we came'