That's what independent education gives parents -- the freedom to select the school that suits their child's needs instead of being stuck with the one-size-fits-all system that's provided by the state, writes Zeena Lemon.

Freedom and choice are an important part of our society. So freedom and choice in choosing the right school for our children is essential. The major benefit of independent education or private schools is that they give parents the flexibility they offer parents to tailor education to a particular child, fostering strengths and supporting weaknesses.

There are over 2,000 thousand independent schools in the UK and 80 per cent of these are represented by The Independent Schools Council (ISC). Its regional director, Robin Barlow, stresses that independent schooling gives parents choices that may otherwise not be available.

"You can be certain that there will be an independent school that will cater for the needs of your child," he said.

"There is no such thing as the best school, but there should be one which will suit the strengths and aptitudes of any child, and thus be the best for them."

Although every independent school is unique, the common theme among them is the pursuit of academic excellence, small class sizes, the opportunities provided for sport and other extra curricular activities and the high levels of discipline and encouragement given to all pupils. Many schools also offer working parents flexibility in terms of care, with boarding or flexi-boarding arrangements available and sometimes encouraged and the choice of single sex schooling.

While a child's education is a holistic process, results are important in today's world and independent schools out perform state-schools time and again. Despite having only 7 per cent of the school population, independent schools supply 38 per cent of all candidates gaining three A grades or better at A-level, and this year's 'A' level and GCSE results were hailed as the "best ever" by the ISC, with figures suggesting that nearly half of all entries from pupils attending independent schools received an A grade at 'A' level and 56 per cent of GCSE entries were awarded an A* or A grade.

But as Dr Barlow points, out league tables and results are only half the story. He said: "Freedom of choice also extends not only to the academic curriculum, but also to activities happening outside the classroom. Independent schools offer numerous opportunities for sports ranging from the traditional hockey, netball, rugby, soccer, cricket and athletics, to the more esoteric choices such as orienteering, fencing, handball or archery.

In music and the creative arts, pupils will be encouraged to take part whether they are experts or beginners. Independent schools generally have excellent facilities to back up such extra-curricular programmes and sports halls, swimming pools, performing arts halls and media studios are the norm."

The three counties of Worcestershire, Herefordshire and Gloucestershire have a rich heritage of independent schools, with more than 40 accredited to the ISC in the region.

Dr Barlow said: "Parents in the area are particularly well served by a wide variety of thriving and successful independent schools."

The Independent Schools Council information service can provide help on any aspect of independent education, including boarding schools. The Regional Director for the Central Region, Dr Robin Barlow, offers a free telephone advisory service on 01788 570537. There is a website at www.isciscentral.info and a free handbook, listing all central region schools, can be requested by e-mail at central@iscis.uk.net or by telephone on 01788 570537.

WHY our school RULES malvern girls' college

"At Malvern Girls' College we recognise that greater flexibility and choice is essential today to meet the differing needs of parents and girls. It is with this in mind that a number of new options for day girls are being offered. These include a new day girl option with a shorter day (8.20am to 4pm) and also entry at age 10 (Year 6).

Malvern Girls' College has often been considered mainly as a boarding school. In fact more than 20 per cent of the students who attend are day girls. The many benefits of a boarding school are therefore available to all girls.

The new Day Girl option offers girls a standard school day beginning at 8.20 am and ending at 4.00 pm with one evening per week (up to 8.30 pm). It is important for girls to be able to take part in the many activities on offer. Girls may stay for supper on that evening or leave once they have completed their commitments. Girls may take part in as many

activities as they like, although there will be an additional charge.

The timetable for day boarders runs from 8.20am and offers options up to 8.30pm. This includes lessons until 4pm with a wide range of activities up to 6.30pm, at which time girls are welcome to stay for supper or go home. The extended school day means that girls gain the maximum benefit from the opportunities available and parents know that their daughters are safe in a structured learning environment.

Due to increased demand from local parents, an education at Malvern Girls' College will also be available to girls aged 10 (Year 6) from September 2006. Girls joining in Year 6 will have their own form teacher and benefit from specialised teachers in areas such as music, science and sport.

Daily transport is very important to busy parents and a number of minibuses cover routes from Stanford Bridge through Worcester, and from Hereford,

Ross-on-Wye and Evesham. Also, of course, Great Malvern station is right next door to the College.

The opportunity for day girls to benefit from the extended educational environment of a boarding school is a great attraction. Malvern Girls' College is one of the top schools in the country and offers great value for money for day girls with day fees only being raised by an annual cost of living increase, until 2009. Fees for

day girls are £3,300 per term (extra evenings £24) and day boarders £4,350 per term.

There are opportunities for girls to experience a 'taster day' at the school.

Living and working together in a community is an important, integral part of the education at Malvern Girls' College. Girls learn tolerance, teamwork and concern for others as well as a sense of independence. We live citizenship rather than simply teach it. "

WHY OUR SCHOOL RULES: stagecoach stage school

"Established in 1998, Stagecoach Worcester meets every Sunday morning in term-time at the Christopher Whitehead High School.

It is part of a world-wide chain of schools -- there are over 500 in the UK alone. Students are taught in small classes, within their own age group (6-17 years), receiving an hour each of song, dance and drama. The school prides itself on giving each child opportunities for self-expression and imagination, with subsequent building of self-confidence. Stagecoach has its own agency for those wishing to do professional work, and Worcester students have enjoyed working on both TV and the professional stage. Innumerable Annies and Olivers have originated there and many students go on to some of the top drama schools. All teachers are well-qualified, enthusiastic young professionals, and all are performers. it's not completely hard work-- lessons are also fun!"