Independent schools 'facing incredibly difficult financial headwinds', warns ISC CEO
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), commented on analysis from The Telegraph showing independent school fees are set to rise by 4.5 per cent from September.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Robinson said: "Schools are doing all they can to keep fees as low as possible for parents, including a record amount of support being given by independent schools – one in three children at an ISC school receive some form of fee assistance."
The paper's analysis of 424 schools shows the average Year 13 school fee is expected to increase from £26,550 to £27,734. It suggests boarding students will be further impacted, with annual increases of around six per cent for sixth formers, taking average fees to £48,920. Some schools have increased fees by up to 12 per cent, the analysis finds, although in these cases they have spread the impact of the VAT on fees policy over a couple of years.
Highlighting the increasing cost pressures facing independent schools, Ms Robinson added: "It is undeniable that independent schools are facing incredibly difficult financial headwinds. Over the past two years, there has been a triple whammy of additional taxes – with VAT being placed on school fees, charitable schools losing business rates relief and the rise in National Insurance employer contributions – set against a backdrop of rising prices and falling pupil numbers."