The following letter was sent to a large volume of Independent UK Schools on February 3rd. It is shared here for full transparency, and to help anyone who remains unclear about what the Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS) stands for, or what we do. 

If you would like to ask more about the Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS), or are interested in joining either as an Independent School, or as an Individual Member, then please feel free to contact us at hello@afis.org.uk . Alternatively, you can sign up for FREE here. It takes less than a minute: https://www.afis.org.uk/register


An open letter from the Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS) C.I.C. 

3rd February 2026 

 

Dear Colleagues, 

I am writing to share this open letter, which sets out clearly the purpose, principles and collaborative approach of the Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS). 

For anyone who remains unclear about what the Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS) stands for, or what we do, we would like to be explicit. 

AFIS exists to champion the importance of parental choice in education. We support families who choose independent schooling, recognising that these decisions are made thoughtfully, responsibly, and in the best interests of children. 

AFIS is a non-profit Community Interest Company, established to serve families and the wider educational community. 

Our work is constructive, evidence-led, and collaborative. We seek to strengthen understanding of independent schooling and to contribute positively to the educational landscape. 

What AFIS Does

AFIS works to: 

  • champion parental choice in education 
  • raise funds to support families who choose independent schooling and, where possible, widen access 
  • highlight the benefits and opportunities of independent schooling for children and families 
  • improve public understanding of independent schooling 
  • shine a light on the positive impact independent schooling has on children, families, communities, and society 
  • fund and commission robust, independent research that provides evidence and data to challenge persistent negative stereotypes about families who choose independent schooling 
  • advocate for fairer and more accurate representation of these families in public debate 

Families who choose independent schooling are not a monolith. They are parents making lawful, considered choices about their children’s education, and their voices deserve to be heard with balance and nuance. 

What AFIS Does Not Do

For the avoidance of doubt, AFIS does not: 

  • seek to unionise parents 
  • operate as a pressure group campaigning against schools, regulators, or government 
  • act as a vehicle for grievance, complaint, or confrontation 

AFIS does not provide, and has no intention of providing, an online discussion forum for posting comments, reviews, or complaints about independent schools or private education. We deliberately choose not to host that kind of discourse and leave it to social media platforms where such debates already take place. 

Our Approach

AFIS is not in competition with schools, associations, or organisations that support and supply them. On the contrary, we believe that collaboration, transparency, and mutual respect best serve families and, most importantly, the children at the heart of education. 

We welcome dialogue with those who share a commitment to evidence, fairness, and constructive engagement, and we remain focused on the positive contribution independent schooling continues to make. 

Kind Regards,

Michelle Daniells 
Founder and Chief Executive Officer 

Peter Hogan 
Chair