Industry News
Commission suggests independent schools should raise fees
Posted on 12th March 2008
The Charity Commission is calling on private schools in England and Wales to think about increasing tuition to help provide more places for pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
According to the watchdog's draft guidance to schools on keeping their charitable status, raising fees for wealthier families to subsidise places for poorer pupils is one way for schools to justify their tax breaks.
Another suggestion posed by the commission involves independent schools approaching philanthropists and community bodies to arrange subsidies for scholarships and bursaries.
"Doing nothing to meet the public benefit requirement is not an option," the draft guidance states.
A Charity Commission spokesperson told the Guardian that as many as a dozen schools would face inspections this year to ensure they were complying.
The news comes after an expert in educational finance warned that paying for private school is growing more difficult for many British families.
Henry Briggs of HW Chartered Accountants said that fees are likely to rise further in 2008.