In a speech to the annual conference of the Independent Schools Association (ISA) in Bristol on 13 May, Lord Lexden applauded the growth of links between independent schools and the wider community.
'All too frequently', he said, 'independent schools are thought of as inward-looking and self-absorbed, uninterested in the communities around them. Nothing could be further from the truth. 90 per cent of independent schools are now involved in joint projects with state schools or community organisations-up 10 per cent in the last year alone. Music and sport are particularly prominent in joint activities. ISA schools have contributed significantly to this achievement. They embody the spirit of the Big Society which this Government is building as the role of the state in our lives diminishes'.
In reply the ISA said:
'I'd like to thank you for your valuable contribution to the success of our Annual Dinner. Your wisdom was very well received, and the content and timing were spot on! I know your presence was highly valued by your friends in ISA.'
Lord Lexden, then Alistair Cooke, was General Secretary of the Independent Schools Council, from 1997 to 2004. The Independent Schools Association is one of the Council's constituent bodies.