Industry News
Middle-income families 'could suffer'
Posted on 21st January 2008
Middle-income families could soon find it difficult to afford to send their children to a private school, a headmaster has warned.
New guidelines published by the Charity Commission last week require all charities to demonstrate how they offer public benefit.
Further guidance on how independent schools will be expected to do this is scheduled for publication next month but speculation suggests many could be required to provide bursaries to children from deprived backgrounds.
Statistics compiled by the Independent Schools Council show that more than 160,000 pupils received assistance with school fees during 2007.
At present many private schools will help families with incomes of up to £50,000 with fees, reports the Sunday Times.
However, Bernard Trafford, chairman of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, told the newspaper that the new regulations could see bursaries for middle-income families "diverted" to help fund free places for children from disadvantaged backgrounds.
Speaking specifically about Wolverhampton Grammar School where he is headteacher, Mr Trafford added: "There might well be a gap. We do not really have the resources to help middle-income families."