ISC CEO: 'Charitable investment is at the heart of the independent system'

Figures released by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) have shown that independent schools have boosted the value of means-tested bursary places for disadvantaged pupils by 30 per cent in a decade. £480 million has been given in means-tested help with fees this year, as experts warn that plans by the Labour party to add VAT to school fees could prove to be a financial burden that could affect schools’ ability to help fund places for poorer pupils. Commenting on the statistics, Julie Robinson, ISC's chief executive said: "These statistics clearly show Labour’s claims are not based in fact. Charitable investment – whether it is bursaries, donations or partnership work with state schools – is at the heart of the independent system".

Speaking to the Daily Mail, Barnaby Lenon, chairman of the ISC, has suggested the Government should restore the direct grant scheme rather than tax independent schools more. Warning that Labour’s plan to add VAT to independent school fees will only make them more expensive, Mr Lenon said it risks them becoming the ‘preserve of the rich’. Instead, he would like the Government to help private schools take poorer students, at ‘zero’ cost to the taxpayer.