Choosing independent education is very expensive, yet its value can be incalculable. Choosing the right public school is therefore of great importance and involves a great deal of homework. Making the wrong choice could profoundly affect your child's educational, personal and social development.

This is not a definitive handbook nor is it intended to provide all the information needed for a particular school. But what it does give is a feel for the essence of the place, something which is often more important than facilities and much more difficult to capture.

The book includes important contributions from Anthony Wallersteiner, Headmaster of Stowe School, Barnaby Lenon, former Headmaster of Harrow, Sir Anthony Seldon, Headmaster of Wellington College, and Tony Little, Headmaster of Eton.

The first edition of this book was published in 2008. This updated and expanded edition examines the questions that remain: day vs boarding, co-ed vs single sex, academic rigour, all-round experience and, of course, affordability.