We save the public £20bn a year, claim private schools
The schools not only provide a huge financial benefit to the Exchequer but also wider benefits to society, according to analysis from the Independent Schools Council.
The savings from taking pupils out of the state education system as well as the added benefits of community facilities, jobs created and tax contributions added up to a £20billion boon for the taxpayer, reported The Times.
This was made up of £3.5billion saved by freeing up state school places, £4.1billion in tax paid by the schools and their suppliers and a further £13.7billion in the value of the work supported by the schools across the economy.
Private schools also supported 302,000 jobs according to the analysis by Oxford economics, more than the entire city of Liverpool. However, the boost to taxpayers may come as little comfort to parents who are struggling to pay the soaring fees demanded by private schools.
The report found that the fees have doubled over the last 15 years, with the latest annual rise hitting more than 3 per cent.
The Independent Schools Council census shows average boarding school fees are now £34,704 a year, while for day schools it is £14,142. In 2003, it was £16,476 to board, and £6,525 for day schools.
The figures come amid concerns that middle- class parents are being squeezed out of the sector by soaring costs – although the census did find that more schools are giving out means-tested bursaries to disadvantaged pupils. A total of £420million was dished out this year – an annual increase of 6 per cent. It also showed that despite Brexit uncertainty, European families are still choosing UK private schools.
Among the 26,370 non-British pupils whose parents live in the
‘A positive influence’
UK, 45 per cent came from European Economic Area countries – up three percentage points from the previous year.
While overseas pupils only make up around 5.4 per cent of all pupils, many groups have dramatically increased their numbers as British private schools remain popular among the wealthy global elite.
For example, almost 8,000 pupils are now from mainland China – up from around 3,000 in 2009.
The schools are also expanding their public benefit activities – 11,466 partnerships with state schools were recorded this year, compared with 10,553 last year.
ISC chairman Barnaby Lenon said: ‘While most independent schools are small schools serving their local community, some attract pupils of many different nationalities and these young people have a positive influence on our ability to understand other cultures as well as the country’s economy and our intellectual base.’
Mr Lenon added: ‘It is perhaps surprising to see an increase in the number of EEA pupils at ISC schools given the uncertainty surrounding Brexit, but clearly much value is placed on the broad allround education independent schools offer, their inclusive environments, and commitment to supporting the development of globally conscious young people.
‘Looking elsewhere in this year’s census, it is hugely encouraging to see an increase once again in means- tested bursary provision for lower income families, which helps widen access to independent schools.’ PRIVATE schools save the taxpayer billions of pounds every year, their head teachers said yesterday.