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.
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Non-association independent schools are English independent schools that do not belong to the associations of the Independent Schools Council.
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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.​
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NAISA is not:
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A regulator
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An inspection body
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A trade union
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A consultancy offering one-size-fits-all solutions
WHO IS NAISA FOR?
NAISA is for:
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New and established non-association independent schools and groups of schools
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Groups that are in the pre-registration phase
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Leaders seeking thoughtful, peer-led improvement and support including:
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Proprietors
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Headteachers
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Senior Leaders
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Governors
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Trustees
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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
Who Is Leading NAISA?
Meet the founders and directors of NAISA.
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.
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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.
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I like a cream tea (plain scone, strawberry jam).
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Tea? PG Tips, whole milk, two sugars
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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.
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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)
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Tea? Yorkshire Tea, semi-skimmed milk, no sugar
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What NAISA provides for the sector
Compliance & Inspection Information and Insight
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Plain-English guidance on new legislation and regulatory updates
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Introductory webinars about sector inspection & compliance
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Monthly blog about relevant issues
Representation & Policy Voice
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Active engagement with DfE, Ofsted and sector stakeholders
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Monitoring and analysis of relevant consultations
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Sector-informed consultation responses
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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.
