Charity status ‘should apply to all schools’

PRIVATE school pupils could be forced to leave and attend state schools costing the taxpayer thousands if business rates soar, according to senior teaching figures.

Principals across Scotland fear independent schools could face massive rates bills, possibly forcing them to raise fees, following the Barclay Review, which has recommended stripping them of the ability to receive reduced rates.

Private schools can use charitable status to claim relief on rates, unlike state schools, which pay the full bill.

The Barclay Review, carried out by former RBS chief Ken Barclay, said it was ‘unfair’ independent schools receive reduced rates – leading to concerns they will now be forced to pay £5million a year.

However, unions and teachers have insisted that rather than forcing private schools to pay more, state schools should be offered the same exemptions.

Colin Gambles, rector of Hutchesons’ Grammar School in Glasgow, and Ruth Walker, chairman of the board of governors, have written to MSPs seeking support for keeping the current charitable status of private schools. They claim the Barclay Review ‘threatened’ the independent sector and that the proposed changes would bring ‘considerable economic repercussions’.

The letter states: ‘The education of each child in the independent sector saves the Scottish taxpayer £6,525 per senior pupil a year and £4,667 per primary pupil a year.

‘The Barclay Review threatens this saving to the public purse as more children would have to return to state-provided education.’

They also claimed the ‘unintended consequences’ of the plan would be ‘deeply damaging’ to the education of young people and asked for a ‘statement of support’ from MSPs.

The Educational Institute of Scotland (EIS) has argued that it is ‘unequitable’ that private schools receive rates relief while state schools do not.

But a spokesman yesterday claimed that this does not mean independent schools should be stripped of this.

He said: ‘The fact that state schools, which provide educational opportunities to young people of all backgrounds, pay higher rates than fee-paying schools is difficult to justify.

‘This does not automatically mean that the removal of the rate subsidy is required but a degree of equity between the sectors would be welcome.’

The Barclay Review rejected calls for a ‘significant overhaul’ of the entire business rates system – meaning thousands of bars, hotels and restaurants face eye-watering rises in their bills. But it suggested changing how private school rates are calculated.

Hutchesons’ Grammar is the latest school to speak out against the proposed rates rises for private schools.

Following the publication of the review, Lisa Kerr, the principal of Gordonstoun, launched a scathing attack on the proposals, claiming it would ‘disadvantage’ schools north of the Border.

She claimed potential students who could have qualified for support might be refused ‘assisted places’ as schools will not have the funds to offer these. Some schools may also be forced to increase fees, she said.

Gordonstoun, attended by Prince Charles, could see rates soar to £179,876.

The school near Elgin, Moray, is one of the most expensive, with annual boarding fees of £33,000.

Gareth Warren, principal of Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, Perthshire, has also called for state schools to be offered the same relief as independent schools.

The Scottish Government promised to take forward a number of the review’s recommendations.

Finance Secretary Derek Mackay has also pledged to look more closely at proposals for changes to business rates for private schools.

‘Threatens saving to public purse’