Combine this with the many and varied extra and co-curricular opportunities, the nurturing of a sense of self and of social responsibility, all facilitated by committed, dedicated staff, supported by parents who want to be involved. Underpinned by the willingness, determination, co-operation and sheer good humour of the pupils, it is easy to see why the British independent sector is second to none in turning out highly educated, principled, successful young adults, who strive for excellence in all aspects of their lives.

The independent sector is not a hot bed of privilege. Most pupils come from very ordinary homes and many independent schools are providing increasing numbers of bursaries to enable boys and girls of many different backgrounds to benefit from all that is on offer.

And independent school education is not just about academic qualifications, important though they are. It is about creating the future: equipping children with the key skills necessary to become self-sufficient learners, able to develop and expand their knowledge as the need arises. It is about teaching children to be team players, self aware, self disciplined, able to cope with uncertainty, understand how to motivate, how to empathise, how to lead and also how to follow.