We’ve been in this business since 1762, and one thing we’ve learned over the years is that the most fruitful relationships are long-term relationships based on trust. In fact, trust is the single most important thing that can exist between a client and their investment manager. We truly believe that’s why we’ve been around for so long, and why we’ll be around for a long time to come. Because at Brewin Dolphin,

every journey into the future we take with our clients begins with one simple, guiding principle: that the first thing we earn is your trust.

WE’RE HERE TO HELP YOU MAKE THE MOST

OF YOUR MONEY.

SEE FUTURE FOR DETAILS.

Investments may fall as well as rise and you may get back less than you invested.

brewin.co.uk 0845 213 2000 Brewin Dolphin is a member of the London Stock Exchange and is authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority No.124444. Independent spirit

For many years, The Spectator has cheered on the Conservative party’s plans to reform Britain’s state education system. As our country hurtles down the international league tables, it is clear that something must be done to fix our schools. We can no longer compete with countries that once regarded us a role model.

And what has inspired us in our campaign, and preserved our faith in Britain’s potential, is the enduring excellence of so many of our independent schools. For all the talk of national decline, our private schools are the envy of the world, much as they were in Victorian times.

Independence fosters diversity, and independent schools tend to have their own character and charm. In consequence, however, choosing the school which best suits your child can be a bewildering process. This supplement, sponsored by Brewin Dolphin, aims to make it a little easier.

In these pages we discuss the advantages of boarding, the merits of alternative exams and what to look out for on school open days. We have also put together a list of the highest-performing private schools, as well as a guide to the best bursaries and scholarships on offer. We recognise, of course, that the benefits of independent education are not simply academic. There’s plenty fun and games, too. Former England batsman Ed Smith selects his favourite school cricket grounds, while elsewhere we extol the merits of the little-known sport of fives.

We hope that parents, grandparents, and perhaps even children, will find this supplement both useful and entertaining.

Why go private?

Fraser Nelson 4

On grammar schools Ed Howker 20

Editor Freddy Gray Drawings John Jensen

Supplied free with the 12 March 2011 edition of The Spectator www.spectator.co.uk

The Spectator (1828) Ltd, 22 Old Queen Street, London SW1H 9HP, Tel: 020 7961 0200, Fax: 020 7961 0250 For advertising queries, email: sarnold@ pressholdings.com

The case for boarding Fergus Llewellyn 8

A guide to qualifications Oliver Lewis 10

How to use an open day Hilaire Gomer 12

On school cricket pitches Ed Smith 14

On Eton envy

Andrew Gimson 16

On revision courses Ross Clark 18

Classroom memories Stanley Johnson 22

A guide to the best-performing schools 24

A guide to scholarships and bursaries 26

On school and character J.R.H. McEwen 30

How to plan for fees Brewin Dolphin 31

In praise of fives

Freddy Gray 32

IN ASSOCIATION WITH BREWIN DOLPHIN | 12 March 2011 | guide toindependent schols

3