Pupil numbers: 'Further decreases are expected', ISC CEO warns
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has warned that the independent sector is likely to see a contraction in pupil numbers in 2026.
Speaking to iNews, Ms Robinson said: "Pupil numbers have fallen by more than the government estimates already, and for the OBR’s forecast to hold, pupil numbers would have had to remain steady this year – early indications are that this is not the case and further decreases are expected."
When asked about potential fee rises this year, Ms Robinson said they "will be different from school to school and will depend on their own unique set of circumstances". She also said she did not believe the Office for Budget Responsibility’s (OBR) recent forecast that VAT on fees would raise an additional £40 million per year, on top of the original £1.7 billion annual estimate by 2029, would materialise.