"Affordability is a priority issue for schools and they work hard to remain both competitive and affordable" - a response to the Independent

This comment is a response to an article in the Independent, published on 10 May 2016

Independent schools are very mindful that hard working families can find it difficult to pay school fees.

This is clearly demonstrated in the fact we have once again recorded the smallest fee increase since 1994.

Affordability is a priority issue for schools and they work hard to remain both competitive and affordable whilst providing the best value and the best possible quality of education for children. Where that balance lies will vary from area to area and each school will do what they think is best for their current and future pupils.

Our schools do everything they can to offer help with fees, so children can come to our schools whatever their background. Last year one third of children at ISC independent schools had help with their fees and our schools gave fee assistance worth £850 million. 40,000 children receive bursaries and 5,404 pupils pay no fees at all. Over half our schools have fewer than 350 pupils and average day fees are £13,000 a year.

Independent schools are subject to the same pressures on teachers’ salaries, pension, energy and maintenance costs, as any schools, so it's testament to being creative and dynamic businesses that as well as holding back fee increases, some have even found it possible to make cuts.