The Home Affairs Select Committee’s warning over the damage which could be caused by curbing overseas student numbers is welcomed by the Independent Schools Council.
While the committee’s focus was on further and higher education, its conclusion that proposed restrictions to entry could damage the UK’s reputation and economy applies equally to the country’s independent schools.
ISC continues to lobby government to ensure UK independent schools are able to attract the best and brightest students from around the world, for the benefit of the country as a whole.
ISC Deputy Chief Executive Matthew Burgess said: "Whilst the Select Committee's focus is the impact of proposed immigration changes on higher/further education and language courses, the conclusions it reaches are universally applicable.
"In particular, we welcome the recognition that students are not, and should not be treated as, migrants. Overseas pupils are an asset for the UK: more than 660 independent schools benefit from their presence and feed UK universities with full paying first-rate students."
Ends
Notes to editors
ISC Mission Statement
The Independent Schools Council (ISC): working with its members to promote and preserve the quality, diversity and excellence of UK independent education both at home and abroad.
Additional information
ISC represents the eight leading independent schools associations in the UK, collectively educating more than 500,000 children in 1,260 schools in the UK and select British schools overseas. In total, there are around 2,600 independent schools in the UK.
Press queries
Andrew Hamilton
Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7062 (mobile) 07825 806017
Fax: 020 7766 7071
Email: andrew.hamilton@isc.co.uk
www.isc.co.uk
