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Independent schools 'threaten to withdraw state school support'

Posted on 18th July 2008

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State schools could no longer receive aid from nearby independent schools, under threats issued by the sector in response to new Charity Commission guidelines.

Private schools are concerned that the introduction of the rules will see them having to show evidence of helping their less advantaged neighbours if they want to retain their charitable status.

But they have now warned that if these plans are adopted, financial help that is needed to support comprehensives and the establishment of academies, could be withdrawn, reports the Times Educational Supplement.

Acting chief executive of the Independent Schools Council Matthew Burgess recently cautioned that "prescriptive regulations promote minimum compliance".

Independent schools could lose tax breaks and potentially millions of pounds worth of assets if they are stripped of their charitable status.

Earlier this month chair of the ISC Dame Judith Mayhew Jonas stated she believes all private schools will pass the Charity Commission's new public benefit test.
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