You are now ready to set-up your Slideshow content.
For more information about adding posts to the slider, please read the documentation
Introduction to Welsh Independent Schools Council
The Welsh Independent Schools Council (WISC) is the umbrella body representing independent schools in Wales. The majority of children in Welsh independent schools are in WISC schools, either independent mainstream or independent special schools. WISC therefore speaks for the sector as a whole while being strictly independent of all political parties.
The Welsh Independent Schools Council acts as a consultative and advisory body for independent member schools in Wales and became fully operational on 1st September 2004. On the 10th November 2010 WISC was incorporated. We want to help you find the information that you need. For parents there is a complete, searchable database of all our Welsh independent schools with links to the school websites (“Find a School” search), also some guidance on making the right choices about independent school in “Choosing a School”. Member schools can log into the Member zone for relevant information.
For further details about the work of WISC, please click here…
WISC Annual Conference – 10th/11th October 2024
We are pleased to announce that this year’s annual, overnight conference is being held in North Wales at The Quay Hotel, Deganwy on Thursday 10th and Friday 11th October 2024.
For further details see the Members Zone, or contact our CEO, Emma Verrier.
For details about last year’s conference click here …
Testimonials
As an international, boarding school, our reach and scope is wide but we are firmly rooted in Wales and regard ourselves as champions of exceptional education in its capital city, Cardiff. For that reason, our membership of WISC is fundamental to our identity. We seek to contribute to the ongoing debate over the value of independent education in Wales while benefiting from the thoughtful dialogue and meaningful representation that WISC offers it members. Beyond the technical expertise, however, … Read more
The WISC annual conference is an important event and a highlight of the year, bringing heads from across Wales together for professional development, top level briefings and fellowship.
WISC is an invaluable source of information and support to us. With timely updates, relevant advice, and sound support, coupled with a forum for debate, the Council is a sage partner to our school. They help us to remain informed and make timely organisational decisions.
The Annual Conference is a one-stop shop to catch-up on best practice, new developments, and ideas. It is a meeting of supportive minds, who gather not as competitors, but industry colleagues, to support our sector. We hav… Read more
Membership of WISC has helped debunk the notion that independent special schools are somehow in ‘competition’ and that collaboration is impossible. All pupils and colleagues in Wales benefit from the opportunities WISC membership facilitates through the annual conference, training events and the excellent relationship with Welsh Government and Estyn. Sharing best practice between skilful and dedicated professionals is integral to the WISC community and I can honestly say that WISC has been … Read more
“WISC works closely with the Independent Schools Council (ISC) and we are pleased with the good job being done by WISC. The educational landscape in Wales is different from that in England but of course, many of the key issues we face are the same. For these reasons it is good that WISC can represent the distinctively Welsh concerns while at the same time working alongside ISC”.
Our annual membership with WISC has proven to be one of our most beneficial resources. We first subscribed as a new school and it helped so much regards policies, legislation and general information. This was made easier for us with the regular emails and information from WISC. WISC also helped arrange a visit to another school to observe good practice. Any queries we have had have always been dealt with promptly by Emma. As a school I feel the WISC membership has aided us to be up to date w… Read more
Being a member of WISC has given Howell’s School access to an incredibly useful range of educational information, advice and training. Regular emails keep us up to date on any new developments including safeguarding and examination board updates and the response to any educational issues is timely and supportive. WISC is a great organisation to work with and has been an invaluable partner for us over many years.
Regular attendance at the WISC conference is a highlight for us. The two days is al… Read more
WISC has developed into an essential partner for independent schools in Wales. It is accessible and carefully consults and represents members on a local and national level. WISC provides excellent networking, CPD and holds excellent conferences every year.
WISC is such an important organisation for me personally and for Haberdashers Monmouth Schools. Firstly, it is an important forum for Heads and other senior staff to meet, share ideas and experiences and to discuss how we are all meeting the challenges of the day. I took over as Headmaster during the first Covid lockdown and the online WISC meetings were vital for me in getting to know fellow heads and giving me a sense of the collegiality and mutual support during a difficult time for schools e… Read more
“ISBA is delighted to work with WISC in providing advice, guidance and professional services to schools in Wales which will support bursars in their critical role of running the business side of Welsh independent schools. Our relationship is evolving into a strong working partnership”
Recent News
Ruthin School are pleased to announce ‘Y Talent Award’,
Ruthin School are pleased to announce ‘Y Talent Award’, curated by the world-renowned contemporary artist Yue Minjun. This visual arts award celebrates creativity and innovation among young artists, and we […]
-
Christ College Brecon partners with Hockey Wales to propel provision in mid Wales
-
WISC Annual Conference – 12/13th October 2023