Private schools ´must evolve or face extinction´

[27.04.2012]

Private schools have been told they must "evolve or face extinction" by the ex-High Master of St Paul's School in west London.

Martin Stephen believes that independent schools are in danger of losing touch with the middle classes and will suffer when the delayed effects of 2008 recession begin to take their toll.

In a guest article for the Times Educational Supplement, the Gems Director of Education said that private schools need to reduce their fees in order to survive.

He also advised school leaders to "use their independence to be at the sharp edge of innovation and radical thinking", becoming a voice for academic education in the UK.

With the UK confirmed as having fallen back into recession just this week, private schools could find themselves coming under increasing pressure.

Mr Stephen, who is the former chair of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, also highlights that for-profit schools, such as those run by Gems, are already proving high-quality private education is possible for lower fees.

Posted by Tony Thomas