November 2016
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In an ever-evolving school system, this conference focused on key challenges and opportunities for independent schools in England.
Delegates discussed overall sustainability of the independent schools sector in light of the rise in school running costs and in the context of the recent EU referendum result and the Government’s decision to expand and allow the opening of new grammar schools. They looked at approaches to dealing with financial pressures on schools including fees, maintaining pupil numbers - particularly in the boarding schools sector - and keeping overall costs down.
They also considered how schools can effectively respond to the proposed changes to fundraising regulations, as well as the financial implications posed by the new requirements schools must meet to retain their charitable status as set out in the recent Department for Education Green Paper.
Further sessions focused on raising overall standards in provision, including best-practice examples of the innovative use of curriculum freedoms in curriculum design and delivery. There was also discussion on the likely impact on standards of the Independent Schools Inspectorate’s proposed changes to inspections from 2017, such as emphasis on outcomes for pupils in terms of their achievement and personal development.
There was also reference to the contribution made by independent schools to England’s economy and overall education system as well as the importance of promoting and developing independent and state school partnerships - and to latest thinking on improving access to independent schools including further steps that could be taken to increase the number of bursaries offered to pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.
