Your child's future has to be by far the best investment, and with so many choices the interest in the Independent Education Sector continues to grow. Pupils being taught within Independent Schools rose by about 3,000 last year and numbers are being sustained for the next. This year has seen a huge shortfall in state school primary places due to a 20% birth rate increase since 2002 which is beginning to put pressure on local state schools, maybe you have been affected by this; did you get your school of your choice?

Independent education offers many benefits. Whether you are looking for a large or small school, single sex or co-educational, traditional or modern, there is a something to suit everyone. Providing education from 3-19 years old, Independent and Selective Schools are renowned for their excellent academic attainment, smaller class sizes and wealth of extra curriculum activities, ensuring its appeal to parents.

Many of the single sex schools now offer a co-educational 6th form and entering at different academic stages has become more popular. Alistair Brownlow, Principal of Rochester Independent College comments: "Sixth form is an exciting watershed in your education and for many students it is important to have a change in environment to help prepare for university. For those finishing their GCSE's there is now a bewildering range of choices and conflicting advice about whether A levels, IB, Cambridge Pre U or the new government diplomas are the best route.

"Different schools suit different students and parents need to research all their options fully to make careful considered choices for their child's futures." Look out for open days, they give you the best opportunity to visit the school and get a good feel for what it can offer.

Comments supplied by Alistair Brownlow, Principal, Rochester Independent College.