Industry News
Criticism of private schools 'unwarranted'
Posted on 14th February 2008
Many of the criticisms aimed at independent schools are unjustified, according to a headteacher.
Recent changes to Charity Commission guidelines concerning the demonstration of public benefit by charities sparked a media debate about the role of private schools.
Some commentators suggested fee-charging schools did not do enough to justify the tax breaks associated with charitable status and others claimed they should be made to offer more assisted places to pupils from deprived backgrounds.
Author and playwright Alan Bennett even suggested private schools should be banned for the good of the country.
However, James Priory of Portsmouth Grammar School believes many of those views are based on misconceptions.
Mr Priory told the News: "We've been working with other schools generating interest in academia and the arts for years."
He explained that not only does the grammar school share its facilities and resources with local state schools, it also has a long track record of offering places to children from a wide variety of social backgrounds.
"Rather than being in smug isolation from the rest of the city we're very much part of it," Mr Priory added.