VerbatimParliament, as it happens

Private Education: Safety

Asked by Mr Luke ChartersLabourDepartment for EducationTabled Answered 2 June 2026UIN 2972

The question

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, how her Department ensures effective oversight where safeguarding concerns are raised about independent schools.

Answered by Olivia Bailey

All private schools are required to comply with the Independent School Standards (ISS), and schools that fail to meet the ISS at inspection are subject to regulatory action.

Information about regulatory and enforcement action can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/regulating-independent-schools. As part of meeting the standards all independent schools must have regard to statutory safeguarding guidance, Keeping Children Safe in Education: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/keeping-children-safe-in-education--2.

Verbatim has judged this answer against the question that was actually asked — answered, partly answered, or evaded. Sign in to see the verdict →

Open this question in Verbatim →

Every written question, searchable

155,000 questions tabled since the election, with the answer each department gave — and the ones still unanswered, with the clock running. Free to search.

Search written questions →Read on Verbatim