Large independents give less in bursaries

Released 27/07/2010

Study shows larger independents offer less of their income in bursaries than smaller counterparts

Richer, larger and more prestigious independent schools allocate less of their income to bursaries than their smaller and less high-attaining counterparts, according to new research.

The study, conducted by Staffordshire University's Institute for Education Policy Research and commissioned by the Sutton Trust, found that while schools are devoting 7.8 per cent of their total school income to bursaries and scholarships - an increase on levels in 2000 - there is considerable and surprising variation between institutions.

Earlier this month, the Charity Commission intervened for the first time to make two independent schools increase the money set aside for bursaries. The report suggests Government intervention may be necessary to continue to press schools to improve social mobility.

In particular the report states:

• More than a quarter of schools offer less than five per cent of their total income in fee remissions (scholarships and bursaries), while another quarter offer more than 10 per cent.

• More prestigious schools tend to devote a lower proportion of their income to fee remissions: a school ranked 1-70 in The Times league table, for example, spends 4.3% of its income on financial aid; one ranked 211-280 devotes 7.2%.

• Schools with higher incomes spend a lower proportion on bursaries: schools which devote 1-2% of their total income to bursaries have an average income of £10.4m; schools which devote 6-8% to bursaries have an average income of £8.2m.

• Except for very small schools (which offer bursaries below one per cent of income) the rate of bursary provision tends to decline with increasing school size and income.

The report questions the bursary policies of some leading independent faith schools. The proportion of fee remissions spent by these schools on bursaries to help low income families attend the school is nearly 10% below the average. This 'sits uneasily' with their mission statements of commitment to public welfare.

Half of all fee remissions are being directed to scholarships, which are largely non-means tested and often go to pupils whose families can afford to pay fees.

REVEALING INFORMATION

Only half of independent schools disclose in their annual accounts the proportion of income set aside for bursaries and most do not publish on their websites the criteria for awarding bursaries. Instead families are referred to the school for further information which could disadvantage families from less articulate homes. The report calls on umbrella bodies to take a lead in encouraging good practice. "Schools that do not reveal their level of bursary provision make it appear that they have something to hide."

Sir Peter Lampl, chairman of the Sutton Trust, commented: "The fact that the fee-paying sector is devoting a greater share of its income to fee remissions - and bursaries in particular - is to be welcomed. However, half of the fee remissions still go to scholarships which are not means-tested.

"Progress is also unevenly spread throughout the sector. It is concerning, for example, that the most prestigious private schools - which offer their pupils exceptional life chances - appear, on average, to be doing less to widen access than their lower-attaining counterparts. While partnership and community work are important components of public benefit, bursary provision is perhaps the most effective way independent schools can boost social mobility."

MORE OPEN

Professor Peter Davies, who led the research, said: "Independent schools would improve their case for creating public benefit if they were more open about the criteria they use for awarding bursaries - following the example of the few who currently publish these criteria on their web sites.

"The Charity Commission has an important role to play in encouraging independent schools to live up to their claims for providing public benefit. The huge difference in independent schools' practices on scholarships and bursaries shows there is still plenty of work to be done."

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