Record numbers register at leading schools

The reduction in City bonuses could make a fundamental difference to the intake at some schools. Our admissions are consistent but no-one can afford to be complacent
Sylvia Brett, deputy headteacher, Roedean

Despite the economic slump and headlines screaming an ‘exodus’ from private schools, encouraging numbers of parents are registering their children for leading schools. A survey of 90 schools by the Headmasters and Headmistresses Conference in January has shown that advance registrations and entrance exam attempts for places for 13-year-olds were up 7.5 per cent and for sixth-form places, they rose 8.2 per cent.

Meanwhile only 0.2 per cent of pupils have had to be withdrawn from their schools so far this academic year 'for purely financial reasons'.

Richard Cairns, headmaster of Brighton College, says, 'What we are seeing are families re-evaluating what really matters. Designer clothes, the latest car and meals at expensive restaurants matter not a jot when set against a child's education.’

Flight to quality

Mr Cairns believes there is a ‘flight to quality’ as figures shown as parents shun lesser-known schools perceived to be financially precarious. 'We saw record numbers attending our open morning on Saturday and we have never had so many applications.'

The top tier of independents may have to be vigilant in the coming months due to other economic factors. As Sylvia Brett, deputy headteacher of Roedean, observes: "The fact that City bonuses have been cut could make a fundamental difference to the intake at some schools. Our intake this year is consistent with last year's but no-one can afford to be complacent about the future."

Another consequence of the recession may be that lesser known schools and small prep schools become more vulnerable to closure or acquisition. Parents need to be more careful than ever and should check the finances of a school thoroughly before commiting to them.

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