The number of pupils attending private schools in England has fallen to its lowest level in a decade, according to new figures. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) reported that its member schools had 517,000 pupils in January, a drop of 1.3% compared with the previous year.
The decline is attributed to rising fees and the economic pressures on families. Average annual fees at ISC schools rose by 3.6% to £17,000, with boarding schools charging an average of £36,000 per year. The cost of education has outpaced inflation, making it increasingly difficult for middle-income families to afford private schooling.
The fall in numbers is not uniform across all schools. Some smaller schools in rural areas have seen a more significant drop, while larger, more prestigious institutions have maintained their numbers. The ISC noted that the decline was most pronounced among day pupils, with boarding numbers remaining relatively stable.
This trend has raised concerns about the future of the private education sector. Some schools have responded by freezing fees or offering more bursaries to attract pupils. The government has also faced calls to review the tax status of private schools, which currently benefit from charitable status and VAT exemptions.
Despite the overall decline, the ISC remains optimistic, pointing out that private schools continue to achieve strong academic results and that demand for places at top schools remains high. However, the sector will need to adapt to changing economic conditions to reverse the downward trend.
