How Independent Schools in the UK Contribute to the Wider Community

Britain’s private schools are often solely associated with elite education – yet how they see their role in society goes far beyond that, and they consciously embrace responsibility for the wider community. As charitable organisations, private schools in England are required to be socially engaged beyond the boundaries of their campuses. Many boarding schools therefore work closely with state schools in their regions, open up sports facilities and theatres to the public, or offer scholarship programmes that give talented young people access to high-quality education regardless of their background. Social engagement is an integral part of everyday school life.

One example is the “Make A Difference” programme at Uppingham School, where sixth-form students regularly volunteer in hospitals, care homes, and local organisations – voluntary work is firmly embedded in daily life here, as it is at most private schools in England. At Brighton College, students contribute over 300 days of community service each year, for example by visiting retirement homes or running tech workshops for older people. Guided by its ethos “Compass for Life”, Ampleforth College near York promotes a values-based education that deliberately fosters social responsibility and compassion.

Almost all boarding schools are actively involved in their communities – far beyond the classroom. They see themselves as integral parts of a diverse educational landscape – so that young people leave not only with knowledge, but also with character and integrity.