Lower pupil numbers for independent primary schools in Scotland/Festival of Education

April 28, 2010

According to Government statistics, pupil numbers in primary one in the Scottish independent sector have shown a drop of 7% in the last year.

An article in The Scotsman today points to parents ‘holding off’ on placing their children into the independent sector and taking on a financial commitment in the region of £7-£9k per annum.

Whilst the article is based on Scottish statistics I think it’s safe to say that there is a similar pattern emerging in England and Wales and this is set to continue into the 2010/11 academic year.

Anecdotal evidence suggests that at the nursery, pre-prep and prep levels numbers for the next academic year look ‘light’. Senior schools seem to be less affected as parents are more prepared to pay for independent education once their child reaches senior school age.

Interestingly, some of the larger and more traditional schools are reporting growth in numbers, many with waiting lists. They seem to have an immunity to the issues affecting the rest of the sector.

Finally, I was delighted to see information on the new Festival of Education with the inaugural event being held at Wellington College, Crowthorne, over the weekend of the 3rd and 4th July. The prospect of a debate between Germaine Greer and Kelvin Mackenzie (The Sun) makes me think the £35 ticket price will be excellent value!

Posted by Lorraine | Filed Under Uncategorized