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Independent school sector 'holding firm', says ISC chief

Posted on 29th April 2009

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The independent school sector is weathering the recession despite beginning to feel the effects of the economic downturn, it has been suggested.

A new survey produced by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) indicates that when comparing schools polled in both 2008 and 2009, there are 100 fewer students in the sector this year.

The statistics also indicate that school fees have risen by almost six per cent this year, with the average price of private schooling increasing to £4,034 per term.

Nonetheless, David Lyscom, chief executive of the ISC, has argued that there is still a positive outlook for the independent sector.

"We do not foresee a collapse and a catastrophe, I think we will be able to manage whatever comes down the road," he stated.

Earlier this month Mr Lyscom described research produced by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers about private school closures as "misleading and unhelpful".

He noted that although 20 schools have left ISC associations since May 2008, 11 have joined.