May 9 2006
Consumers considering only the best education money can buy for their children are advised to start saving now as private school fees are increasing at almost three times the rate of inflation, according to a new census.
Figures from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) found as pupils attending independent schools numbers have slightly increased from 504,141 to 505,450 fees have increased by an average 5.7 per cent since 2005/6 - with parents paying on average £3,456 per term.
General Secretary Jonathan Shephard said: "The health of the sector is a reflection of the parental demand for the broad curriculum, small class sizes, excellent teaching, extra-curricular activities and added value that the independent sector provides."
Salaries are the largest expense for school costs accounting for two-thirds of expenditure and the ISC says the rise in fees also reflects a rise in the cost of utilities bills and insurance.
Fees are also financing a further fall in the teacher pupil ratio (currently at 9.87 children per teacher) and £551 million has been spent on improving buildings and equipment.
The good news is the number of pupils who receive assistance with their fees has increased and now represents 32.4 per cent of all pupils attending ISC schools at a combined value of £286 million - 74 per cent of this assistance comes from the schools themselves.
