Geoffrey Stanford and other experts discuss the business of private schools in the UK, addressing the impact of VAT exemption removal, financial aspects, accessibility, benefits of private education, revenue challenges, and trends in mergers. They explore affordability for professionals, revenue strategies, and the importance of holistic development and social mobility through bursaries.
Private schools in the UK operate as businesses selling services to paying customers, highlighted by the recent scrutiny on VAT exemption removal.
Different private schools demonstrate diverse market approaches and financial strategies to ensure sustainability amidst changing economic landscapes.
Deep dives
Private Schools and the Business Model
Private schools in the UK are businesses selling services to paying customers. The discussion around VAT exemption removal sheds light on the business and economics of private education. While about 6% of UK students are privately educated, they absorb around 15% of school resources, requiring an understanding of the diverse markets private schools cater to.
Different Types of Private Schools
Private schools vary significantly in their approach, with examples like the Royal Grammar School in Newcastle focusing on accessibility with fees at £17,000 per year and the Sevenoaks School with day fees around £27,000 annually. These schools showcase distinct models and offerings ranging from day students to boarders, emphasizing diversity and unique educational programs like the International Baccalaureate.
Girls Day School Trust's Focus on Girls' Education
The Girls Day School Trust advocates for girls' education across its 25 schools, including two state academies converted from private schools. With fees ranging from £13,000 to £20,000, the trust emphasizes affordability and high-quality education tailored to the learning needs of girls, promoting diverse and inclusive educational environments.
Financial Challenges and Strategies for Private Schools
Private schools face financial challenges amid potential VAT changes, evaluating options to mitigate costs or increase revenue streams. Schools like Sevenoaks explore commercial ventures and fundraising alongside fee adjustments to address financial sustainability. The sector grapples with mergers, acquisitions, and the transformation of business models amidst educational priorities for children's holistic development.
Private schools in the UK are mostly registered as charities – but they are also businesses – businesses in the sense that they sell a service to paying customers.
They’ve recently been in the news because the new government has said it will remove their exemption from VAT.
In this episode we take a look at the business of private education: how it works, how much money is made and what will happen when exemption from VAT is removed from school fees.
Evan Davis is joined by:
Geoffrey Stanford, Head of Royal Grammar School Newcastle
Jesse Elzinga Head of Sevenoaks School
Cheryl Giovannoni, CEO, Girls' Day School Trust (GDST)
Duncan Murphy, Director of Education, MTM Consulting
PRODUCTION TEAM:
Producers: Drew Hyndman and Alex Lewis
Editor: Matt Willis
Sound: Rod Farquhar
Production co-ordinator: Rosie Strawbridge and Janet Staples
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