Association for Families of Independent Schooling
Member of the GEC Circle of Influence
Bio:
AFIS is the UK’s only membership organisation bringing together parents, relatives, school staff and alumni who believe in the value of independent education as part of a diverse and complementary national school system.
We amplify our members’ collective voice to foster a fairer, more balanced debate about independent schooling. We champion the families who make this choice and the schools that deliver it - celebrating the partnership, commitment and shared values that help shape exceptional young people who contribute meaningfully to society and the economy.
Through our collaborative community platform, credible independent research, and authentic storytelling of our members’ lived experiences, AFIS brings truth, clarity and robust data to public and policy discussion. Our work also delivers meaningful benefits to members, providing funding to support families struggling to afford school fees and helping schools expand their bursarial support - widening access to the opportunities of a high-quality independent education.
AFIS was founded by a small group of parents concerned about two issues impacting families like ours:
The rise of negative and misleading portrayals of independent schools and their families in media and public debate, often reinforced by political rhetoric, fuelling division and misunderstanding.
Increasing financial pressures (e.g. VAT on school fees, higher cost of living, business rates and NICs) making independent education less attainable for many.
Negative stereotypes, crude wealth assumptions and accusations of unfair privilege have long dominated the narrative about private schooling. What is needed now is a professional, coordinated effort to gather credible data on who independent school families really are and their reasons for choosing independent education for their children.
