A third of private schools inspected by Ofsted in the last year are not good enough, according to new figures.
Of the 303 fee-paying schools visited by inspectors between September last year and the end of June, 29% were found to be only satisfactory while a further four per cent were rated inadequate.
The latest statistics, published by Ofsted, also show that more than half (57%) were considered good for the overall quality of the education they provide while one in ten (10%) were outstanding.
Between April 1 and June 30 alone, Ofsted inspected 57 independent schools, with just over two-thirds rated good or outstanding. Three schools were found to be inadequate.
The statistics also show that the schools were likely to be highly rated for behaviour, with 23 considered outstanding and none inadequate.
But performance for the welfare, health and safety of pupils was less positive, with 10 of the 57 schools judged outstanding, 10 satisfactory and eight inadequate.
Ofsted only inspected private schools that are not part of any independent schools association. Those inspected by Ofsted are more likely to be smaller private schools.