32 FINANCE
Why Scotland’s independent schools have charitable status
ALISON HERBERT, DEPUTY DIRECTOR AT THE SCOTTISH COUNCIL OF INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS, AN EDUCATIONAL CHARITY PROMOTING SCOTTISH INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS.
C
ontrary to popular belief, independent schools do not operate as profit making bodies. In fact, as they are registered charities they are legally prohibited
from doing so. Money from fee income is either invested directly back into the school (to pay and recruit teachers or to improve and develop facilities, for example) or it goes towards means-tested bursary and other financial assistance.
The fact that Scotland’s independent schools are
registered charities first and foremost benefits our young people and their families, as well as the local community and local authority schools. In 2005, the government created the Office of Scotland Charity Regulator (OSCR) to assess all of the organisations that, at the time, held charitable status in Scotland and it decided independent schools should remain as charities, having ensured that their public benefit outweighed the private.
PROVISION OF FEE ASSISTANCE As part of their charitable remit, Scotland’s independent schools must allocate a proportion of their fee income to means-tested bursaries, to widen participation in their education. As a result, since 2005, the provision of means tested bursaries has tripled, with independent schools dedicating over £31 million a year towards bursaries up to 100 percent for parents who could not otherwise afford to send their child to an independent school. Data collected from our 74 member schools shows that 25 percent of mainstream independent pupils in Scotland (that’s over 7,000) receive means tested assistance.
If you are interested in applying for fee assistance here are some top tips: • Enquire about fee assistance about a year before you hope to enrol in the school.
• Let the schools know as soon as possible that you are interested in financial assistance.
• Most schools will have a deadline for applying for fee assistance so make sure you don’t miss it.
• Make sure you leave plenty of time to complete the application and sort out any accompanying documents you may need to prove your income.
SHARING OF FACILITIES
Schools continually open up their facilities to the local community and work in partnership with local authority schools to share staff expertise and facilities for the benefit of pupils in both the independent and state sectors. This includes opening up cricket, hockey, football and rugby pitches to the local area, sharing facilities such as music halls and theatres, and including other pupils in subject teaching, careers events and other opportunities.
SEE FOR YOURSELF All schools welcome visits from prospective families throughout the year. Look for details of open Days on the school’s website, or alternatively ask for an appointment where staff will be delighted to show you round, give you a feel for life at the school and answer any questions you may have. ■
For more information, advice and guidance on choosing an independent school in Scotland visit the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) website at
www.scis.org.uk
Thinking about an independent school?
Scotland’s independent schools are as diverse as the children who attend and offer a wide range of opportunities in vibrant learning environments.
For information and advice on applying and meeting the cost, speak to The Scottish Council of Independent Schools
Registered Scottish Charity SCO18033
0131 556 2316
info@scis.org.uk www.scis.org.uk
Choice | Diversity | Excellence
www.nurseryandschoolguide.co.uk
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