Rise in bursary funding shows sector's commitment to improving education for all, says ISC CEO
Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has responded to findings from this year's ISC's Census, which reveal a decline in pupil numbers alongside an increase in bursary provision at independent schools.
The ISC's Census 2025 has revealed that pupil numbers in independent schools have fallen, but bursary support has reached a record high. ISC schools saw a 2.4 per cent drop in like-for-like pupil numbers—13,363 fewer children and young people—while fee assistance rose by 11.5 per cent to £1.5 billion. Of that, over £1.1 billion came directly from schools. More than a third of pupils now receive some form of help with fees, with the average means-tested bursary worth £13,852 a year—up 7.3 per cent on 2024. Cross-sector collaboration is also on the rise; 9,301 partnerships were reported in 2024, in areas including mental health, the arts, exam preparation, sharing facilities, and oracy.
Speaking to Tes, Ms Robinson said: “The rise in bursary funds and partnership work shows that improving education for all continues to be at the heart of our schools’ purpose, even as political decisions affect their work.
“However, given the decline in pupil numbers and the associated fall in revenue, it is unclear whether the past few years of rises in fee assistance will be sustainable in the future. We urge the government to work with us to ensure independent education remains an option for as many families as possible over the coming years.”