Tuesday 26 September 2017

Independent school fees rise

Dean Associates’ annual review of independent school fees across the UK has shown an average rise of around 3.5% from academic year 2016/17.

This is similar to the rise over the previous year, but a little higher than the three year period 2012-2015 that saw increases capped at just around 3% per year.  The chart below shows how this figure has evolved since 2009.

 

 

The independent schools market still appears to be strong, with high demand in most urban areas, although more flexibility on space in rural day schools, especially at primary level.

There is still much debate about the validity of the independent school sector’s charitable status with some critics arguing that the fees should be eligible for VAT – however, this is unlikely to come into play unless a new General Election bring the Labour Party into power.

Many independent schools are also trying to counter this argument – offering greater public access to their facilities and a wider range of means-tested bursary places.