48 . Glasgow Business October 2014


> >Continued from page 47 Tis direct and indirect contribution from


the independent school sector totals £445.8 million and supports 11,240 jobs – larger than the economic benefits of some of Scotland’s leading universities. When looked at on a regional basis, the


report identified a direct GVA of £72.7 million and 1,876 jobs by SCIS members in the Glasgow and the West region. When indirect contributions are taken into consideration, such as suppliers, staff spend and capital expenditure, then the total GVA rose to £111 million and numbered 2,809 jobs. Dr Ken Greig, Rector at Hutchesons’


Grammar School, supported the report’s conclusions about the economic impact that independent schools make to the local community. He said: “Hutchesons’ is a financial


contributor to the local economy in several ways, as an employer of more than 400 local people and as a contractor of local firms for our service, cleaning, transport and maintenance requirements. Te school has also completed several significant building projects – including a new sports track in 2009 and a purpose-built drama complex in 2012 – using locally based firms during the past five years.” Te report delved deeper to estimate how


the sector also helps the exchequer’s public purse. As independent education provision takes the pressure off local authorities resources to educate children, the report estimated that SCIS members generated a total cost saving to the Scotish education system of £176.2 million. If you add to this the non-domestic rates and employment tax paid by independent schools, then the report estimates a total contribution to public finances of £263.5 million in 2013. But there are a wide range of non-financial


advantages conferred by the independent school sector that also benefit the Scotish economy. Tese include helping to support the competitiveness of the Scotish university sector by providing a regular stream of overseas students, and through developing skilled and motivated young people to support the long-term competitiveness of the Scotish economy.


”There are a wide range of non-financial advantages conferred by the independent school sector that also benefit the Scottish economy”


Providing a high quality of independent


education also makes Scotland a more atractive location for inward investment by enhancing the quality of life available to highly mobile international executives. In education itself, the report said that the


independent sector made a “disproportionate contribution to the operation and development of Scotland’s national curriculum” and enhanced the capacity of the state education sector through the voluntary activities of staff and students, by sharing facilities and resources, and by providing teacher placements. Independent schools also support their


charitable status by being increasingly involved in their local communities, by allowing local people and community groups to access facilities and helping support the third sector through the voluntary work undertaken by staff and pupils.


Dr Greig added: “Hutchesons’ also


contributes to the community by financially supporting local charities and we also offer organisations discounted rates for use of our venues. For example, this year we are fundraising for Michael’s Movers, based in nearby Clarkston, which helps people with Parkinson’s.” Commenting on the research, John


Edwards, SCIS Director, said: “Tis research adds weight to the growing understanding of the contribution that independent schools make to Scotland, operating entirely on their own with just the support of their families and staff. “Schools have met many challenges over


recent years, not least the charity regulator’s test which the Scotish Parliament ensured was the toughest in the world. “Schools have met those tests with an


enthusiasm which shows the approach they will take to the many new challenges that lie ahead for Scotland and its young people.”


DID YOU KNOW? In 2013/14, 31,146 pupils attended independent schools in Scotland that are members of SCIS. This included 1,722 nursery aged pupils, 10,805 primary pupils and 18,619 secondary pupils. The contribution of independent schools to the education of Scotland’s children is therefore significant, equivalent to the seventh largest local authority in Scotland.


WHAT IS GVA?


Gross Value Added is a measure of productivity based on the value for the amount of goods and services that have been produced, less the cost of all inputs and raw materials that are directly attributable to that production.


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