14 | SURVIVING THE RECESSION | SPECIAL REPORT


READING, WRITING, RECESSION Is independent schooling surviving the recession? Simon Fry does the maths


N


ews in December that the UK economy will surpass its pre- recession peak (in 2008’s first


quarter) in 2014’s second half suggests emergence from the deepest slump in modern times. Throughout these years, independent education has proven itself to be admirably adaptable and remarkably resilient. While the recovery’s green shoots are metaphorical, those at one independent school are literal, as cost reduction, income expansion and the offer of value-for-money across the sector have kept pupil numbers relatively steady, albeit with pockets of regional and intra-sectoral vulnerability. Statistics provided by the Independent


Schools Council (ISC) suggest the recession has not significantly affected pupil numbers in independent schools.


ABOVE: Oakham School's organic fertiliser system has saved £1000s


In 2008, 511,677 pupils atended 1,271 ISC schools, an increase from 509,093 pupils in 2007. Its 2012 census reported pupil numbers of 508,472 at 1,223 ISC schools, a rise of 0.1 percent compared to the equivalent figure for 2011 and the first such rise since 2008. While 2014 figures are due for publication shortly, the corresponding figure for April 2013 showed 508,601 pupils at the ISC’s 1,223 schools, although the total number of pupils at the 1,204 schools taking part in its 2012 and 2013 censuses fell by 0.3 percent.


ISC 2013 census selected figures: ✥ Average school fees + 3.9 percent,


the lowest rise since 1994. ✥ Value of mean-tested bursaries +6.7 percent ✥ Proportion of ISC schools in London & south east 45 percent ✥ Pupils in Greater London schools +1.1 percent ✥ Pupils in northern schools -1.1 percent ✥ Pupils in Welsh schools -2.7 percent ✥ Non-British pupils +1.4 percent ✥ Amount spent on new/refurbished boarding accommodation per boarding pupil +33.9 percent ✥ Overseas campuses +45 percent (from 20 to 29) ✥ Overseas pupils +52 percent (from 12,379 to 18,784)


While the 2014 census will provide a figure for the number of pupils at ISC


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