Figures released by the Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS) have revealed that Independent Schools in Scotland have provided in excess of £51 million in fee assistance during the current academic year (2018 / 2019).

The data, collected from SCIS’s 74 member schools, shows that 24.6% of mainstream pupils (7204) received means tested assistance (£30,807,706), with 573 pupils (3.2%) benefiting from 100% fee assistance.  A further £20,301,772 was awarded to children on non-means tested basis.*

The figures show an increase of £2,473,121 on the previous year and brings the total fee assistance provided by the sector in the last ten years (2009 – 2019) to £404,495,065.

Commenting on the results, John Edward, Director of SCIS, said: “This results of the research into fee assistance in the independent sector demonstrates our absolute commitment to widening access to independent education in Scotland.

“We are responsible for educating 30,000 children around the country and the availability of fee assistance is something the sector is hugely proud of and works hard to achieve.  We have seen a steady and significant increase in the bursaries available rising from £24,588,023 in 2009/2010 to the current figure of £51,109,478.

“This is a significant financial commitment for schools – all of which are not-for-profit – as the budget for fee assistance must come from cash reserves once salaries and other operational expenses have been paid.”

John added: “Scotland’s independent sector provides choice, diversity and excellence for Scotland’s young people and we will continue to work hard to safeguard fee assistance despite the impact of the Barclay review which will cost the sector £5 million a year.”

For further information on fee assistance visit: http://www.scis.org.uk/information-for-parents/independent-school-fees/