Industry News
Private schools back charity guidelines
Posted on 24th January 2008
Many independent schools will have no problem adhering to the Charity Commission guidelines on demonstrating public benefit, it has been claimed.
The impact of the new guidance on private schools with charitable status has been the subject of much discussion in recent months and some commentators predicted smaller schools would face financial difficulties if they were forced to offer more assisted places to children from deprived backgrounds.
However, Tim Keyes, headteacher of King's School in Worcester, said he was happy with the news rules and that they would not cause his school any problem.
King's already works with local state schools, offers means-tested bursaries and raises money for other charities, he told the Worcester News.
Mr Keyes added that many people assume all independent schools are like Eton and Harrow and are unaware that most play an important role in the local community.
Tim Kirkup of Scarborough College also believes that many private schools will be able to operate within the guidelines without too much change.
"I don't think there is anything for us to fear and we will continue to widen our access for the community," he told the Scarborough Evening News.