WHAT IS NAISA?

The Non-Association Independent Schools Alliance is a new not-for-profit national membership organisation that brings together non-association independent schools providing support and representation.

Non-association independent schools are English independent schools that do not belong to the associations of the Independent Schools Council.

NAISA creates a shared space for school leaders and sector professionals to learn from one another, build confidence, and develop sustainable, context-sensitive approaches to quality, compliance, and improvement.

NAISA is not:

A regulator
An inspection body
A trade union
A consultancy offering one-size-fits-all solutions

WHO IS NAISA FOR?

NAISA is for:

New and established non-association independent schools and groups of schools

Groups that are in the pre-registration phase

Leaders seeking thoughtful, peer-led improvement and support including:
- Proprietors
- Headteachers
- Senior Leaders
- Governors
- Trustees

WHY NAISA? WHY NOW?

Independent schools often work in isolation, navigating complex expectations with limited opportunities for open professional dialogue. Support can feel fragmented, reactive, or inspection-driven. NAISA exists to create a trusted space where schools can:

Learn from one another

Share challenges honestly

Build confidence through collaboration

Strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles

Stay informed about NAISA

Who Is Leading NAISA?

Meet the founders and directors of NAISA.

Michelle NAISA picture_edited_edited.jpg

Founder and Company Director

Michelle Baker

BEd Hons, NPQEL

I am an experienced Senior Leader and have worked in education for over two decades. I have worked across mainstream secondary schools, free school alternative provision and non-association independent schools, specialising in supporting young people with SEN and SEMH. Most recently, I set up a school from scratch, which has been extremely successful.

I am passionate and dedicated to providing the best education and pastoral support to all pupils, helping them achieve success in all areas and providing strong foundations for their futures.

I like a cream tea (plain scone, strawberry jam).

Tea? PG Tips, whole milk, two sugars

Screenshot 2026-01-26 at 19.24_edited.jp

Founder and Company Director

Ellen Mukwewa

FCCT FSET MEd

I am an experienced independent school leader and consultant with extensive knowledge of the non-association independent school sector. I have supported a wide range of schools with quality assurance, regulatory compliance, inspection readiness and sustainable school improvement.

I am deeply committed to peer-led collaboration and to creating professional spaces where school leaders can reflect openly, build confidence and strengthen practice beyond inspection cycles.

I like a cream tea (fruit scone, clotted cream, raspberry jam)

Tea? Yorkshire Tea, semi-skimmed milk, no sugar

What NAISA provides for the sector

Compliance & Inspection Information and Insight

Plain-English guidance on new legislation and regulatory updates
Introductory webinars about sector inspection & compliance
Monthly blog about relevant issues

Representation & Policy Voice

Active engagement with DfE, Ofsted and sector stakeholders
Monitoring and analysis of relevant consultations
Sector-informed consultation responses
Clear impact summaries shared with the sector

And Even More for Members!

While NAISA is committed to supporting the wider sector, membership provides access to a far richer, more personalised level of support. If you are looking for more - we invite you to become a NAISA member.

What are the Membership Options?

Full Membership

Who is it for?

Established non-association independent schools that have been operating for at least one year and have undergone at least one standard Ofsted inspection.

Find out more...

Associate Membership

Who is it for?

Individuals connected to non-association independent schools in a strategic or governance role such as proprietors, governors, trustees.

Find out more...

Affiliate Membership

Who is it for?

New non-association independent schools that are within their first year of operation OR Prospective schools that have applied or are yet to apply to the DfE for registration.

Find out more...