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ISC calls for "freedom from overregulation"

Posted on 14th July 2008

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The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has published its response to new guidelines issued by the Charity Commission.

The draft guidance recommends that for a private school to retain its charitable status, it must show evidence of dedicating funds to help the less privileged.

Without this status, schools could lose out on valuable tax breaks.

However, the policy has come under criticism from a number of independent school sources, who argue that these institutions already implement a number of initiatives for public benefit.

Commenting on the ISC's response, its acting chief executive Matthew Burgess stated: "Prescriptive regulations promote minimum compliance. Freedom from overregulation is the key to why independent schools set the highest standards in the world."

He added that the body wants the Charity Commission to produce "cogent, concise and correct" guidance, "that allows heads and teachers to carry on working creatively within their communities".

Earlier this month Mr Burgess stated that private schools already adhere to the majority of the specifications outlined in the new guidelines.
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