The Independent Schools Council is a politically independent, not-for-profit organisation representing 1,270 independent schools educating more than 500,000 children. It exists to promote choice, diversity and excellence in education, developing talent at all levels of ability and from all backgrounds.

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ISC welcomes ‘notably clearer’ public benefit guidance

16 January 2008

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) today welcomed the Charity Commission's general guidance on public benefit as being 'notably clearer' than the draft guidance issued for consultation in March 2007.

Speaking today, Jonathan Shephard, ISC Chief Executive, said:

"We applaud the Charity Commission for engaging in genuine consultation. There have been substantial changes since the draft guidance: it is clear that the Commission has taken seriously the comments from ISC and other respondents. Many ambiguities have disappeared, and the new version is tighter and more useful.

"There remain some fuzzy edges, which we hope to see cleared up in the further guidance on fee-charging and educational charities, which will be issued, in draft, for consultation next month.

"In the midst of sometimes hectic media comment, it is important to keep feet firmly on the ground and to emphasise some key facts:

Schools exist to advance education. The Charities Act 2006 affirms that the advancement of education is a charitable purpose
All charities have always needed to be for the public benefit. The Charities Act does not alter the definition of public benefit: it confirms that case law, with its long history of judicial precedent, continues to apply
Trustees of all charities - schools and others - should look at the charitable objects of their charities and decide how to fulfil them. Trustees approaching this task in an open and transparent manner have little to fear
There is no "one size fits all" test. Some charities are well-funded and can do much. Others have little or nothing in the way of spare funds. The Commission will take a proportionate approach
The first review of the public benefit of individual charities will not begin until 2009. Even if a charity is deemed not to be sufficiently for the public benefit, the approach will be to advise and encourage, and to give time for adjustment."

Note to editors

ISC

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is the main representative body for independent schools in the UK. 1,O44 of its 1,278 schools are charities. They receive fiscal benefits (principally rate relief) of about £225 per child per year. In return, they save the state more than £2 billion per year by educating, at no cost to the state, children entitled to a state education. They also pay £400 million in irrecoverable VAT. ISC schools educate children from all socio-economic classes and at all ability levels. 31.4% of pupils at ISC schools receive help with fees.

Press enquiries: Alexandra Caish, Head of Press, ISC

Telephone: (office) 020 7766 7060 (mobile) 07885 620713
Email: alex.caish@isc.co.uk