UK Independent Schools are privately funded educational institutions that operate without government funding. They charge tuition fees and have the freedom to create their own curricula, which often leads to a diverse range of educational approaches. These schools can be co-educational or single-sex and are known for smaller class sizes and a focus on individual student needs. Many UK Independent Schools are members of associations like the Independent Schools Council (ISC) or the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference (HMC). They often have strong extracurricular programs, including sports, arts, and music, providing students with a well-rounded education beyond academics.