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Scottish independent school changes school fees system

Posted on 20th April 2009

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Adhering to charitable status guidelines is leading one Scottish independent school to change the structure of its school fees system, it has emerged.

According to the Herald, a letter sent by Glasgow Academy to its parents indicates that traditional scholarships are to be abandoned in favour of means-tested bursaries.

This is to help ensure that the private school can retain its charitable status and associated tax breaks, following legislation introduced by the Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator.

In the letter written by chairman of governors Gordon Jack, it is also noted that sibling and staff school fee discounts will also undergo changes to a more means-tested stance, although previous commitments will be honoured.

"These steps will enable us to maximise means-tested assistance targeting help where it is needed most without the need to increase general level of fees beyond inflation," he is quoted by the paper as stating.

Sarah Randall of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools recently told the Sunday Herald that many private institutions in the country are experiencing increased interest despite the economic downturn.