Put simply, the debate is centred on whether private institutions truly provide a public benefit worthy of tax exemptions. Charitable status is typically bestowed upon organisations in the UK that demonstrate a commitment to promoting public benefit and such organisations typically receive certain tax benefits as a result.

According to a recent report published via the House of Commons Library, ‘around half of independent schools in England were registered as charities’. While not all independent schools in the UK are affiliated with the Independent Schools Council (ISC), a 2023 Annual School Census found that 70% of their member schools across the UK had charitable status. 

As many members of the public commonly associate private education with privilege and exclusivity, it is no surprise that the topic of charitable status for independent schools has proven to be such a contentious issue.

Exploring Charitable Status in Detail and Why People Are Talking About It Now 

Although the topic is well documented, many people have not followed it in its entirety but the private school charitable status debate encompasses arguments from both sides, raising questions of equity, social mobility and the role of education in fostering a fairer society. 

To grasp the essence of the debate, it is crucial to comprehend what charitable status actually entails and delve into the various perspectives, examining the arguments put forth by advocates and critics and (of course) exploring how private tutors play a role within all of this.

Charitable status has historically been associated with institutions like universities, hospitals, and organisations dedicated to advancing societal well-being but some argue that private schools should also be considered charities because they offer education and scholarships, which is believed to benefit society. 

Notable figures in education such as Sir Michael Wilshaw, former Chief Inspector of Schools in England and Head of Ofsted and Geoff Barton, former General Secretary of the Association of School and College Leaders have expressed their perspectives, emphasising the need for accountability, transparency, and collaboration between private and state-funded school but the debate has been ongoing for several decades. 

In contrast, events such as the “Give It Back” campaign by the Independent Schools Council in 2003 and (more recently) increasing concerns about social inequality, educational access and discussions surrounding tax policies have brought the conversation and debate around charitable status to the forefront once again.

What are the arguments in favour of private schools receiving charitable status? 

Advocates of private school charitable status put forth compelling arguments in defence of independent schools retaining their tax-exempt status. 

Contribution to Society and Increasing Educational Opportunities

Those in favour of granting charitable status to private schools highlight several key arguments. First and foremost, they argue that these schools offer high-quality education and contribute positively to society, with many private schools providing scholarships or bursaries to students from disadvantaged backgrounds thereby increasing access to educational opportunities. 

Reduced Pressure on State Schools

Furthermore, advocates for charitable status assert that private schools relieve pressure on the state-funded education system, as families who can afford private education choose not to utilise public resources.

The Impact on Social Mobility

One of the key focal points of the debate is the impact of private school charitable status on social mobility. Supporters argue that private schools actively promote social mobility by offering scholarships and bursaries, allowing talented individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds to access quality education. 

What about the criticisms of private schools receiving charitable status? 

On the other side of the debate, critics raise valid concerns about the charitable status of private schools.

Concerns over Fairness and Equity

Those against private schools being granted charitable status raise valid concerns about fairness and equity within the current system. They argue that private schools operate as profit-oriented businesses while enjoying tax benefits which may not align with the spirit of charitable status. 

This in turn raises questions about fairness and equity as public resources are not being allocated optimally but those arguing against charitable status believe public resources should be used to improve the state-funded education system instead.

The Impact on Social Mobility

While some supporters argue that private schools actively promote social mobility, critics contend that this approach merely addresses symptoms rather than tackling the underlying issues. As an example, critics suggest that addressing disparities within the state-funded education system should be prioritised to achieve genuine social mobility. 

Critics also argue that the social exclusivity associated with private schools perpetuates social inequality and exacerbates existing divisions within society. They argue that these institutions cater to a privileged few and fail to address the root causes of educational disparities in the state-funded education system which should be the priority for promoting true social mobility.

Calls for Reform

Given the ongoing debates and concerns surrounding private school charitable status, there have been increasing calls for reform. 

Some members of the public, experts and notable figures in education propose stricter criteria for charitable status, emphasising the need for private schools to demonstrate a more substantial contribution to the public benefit. Others advocate for a reassessment of the entire concept of charitable status for private schools, urging a comprehensive evaluation of their role within the broader framework of public education.

What Does the Debate Mean for Tutors?

As private tuition is often associated with wealth, it is thought that tutors may play a role in exacerbating educational inequality and further contributing to the strain on the state education system. 

The notion that private tuition is something exclusively for affluent families is a common misconception as tuition comes in many forms with varying fees associated. While concerns around the impact of tuition within the charitable status debate are valid, it is important to note there are of course enormous benefits to private tuition.

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors we know that for tuition to be successful, every student will need a tailored programme that caters to their individual needs, strengths, weaknesses and educational ambitions. There is simply not a one size fits all approach to tuition and, as an extension of that, there is not a one cost fits all model for tuition. It can be accessible to students from varying socio-economic backgrounds and can provide opportunities to “level the playing field” rather than create a greater divide.

To give an example, a student looking for some online support with essay writing to help elevate their exam responses may need fewer or less frequent sessions than a student with dyslexia who really struggles to write compelling answers in timed conditions and requires intensive support to get through upcoming exams. 

Of course, one might argue that if the latter student is from a disadvantaged background they may then lack the funds or access to tuition to get the intensive support they need to excel but it is always worth getting in touch with an agency (or with the tutor directly) to discuss options. 

At Hampstead and Frognal Tutors, our tutors are passionately dedicated to supporting children’s learning and we are not only committed to building bespoke programmes that help students develop but also finding practical solutions that work for families’ varying lifestyles and budgets. 

As an alternative to private tuition, some schools in England offer free one-to-one or small group tuition to eligible students both at primary and secondary school level through the National Tutoring Programme.

Regardless of whether you engage a private tutor or a state allocated tutor, it is essential to find the right tutor. If a tutor’s content is not engaging and they are not able to tailor their programming to adapt to your child’s needs then the sessions become somewhat redundant and the opportunities to excel may be diminished.

We explore the areas to look out for in this post but a key consideration is to find someone who possesses not only the knowledge and skills to teach but also a personality and teaching style that resonates with your child. 

The private school charitable status debate in the UK presents a complex and multifaceted issue. As discussions and deliberations continue around the schools and the role of tutors, striking a balance that ensures educational excellence, fairness and equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their background, remains essential to progress toward a more equitable and inclusive education system.

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Useful Resources

• National Tutoring Programme
• ISC Report – June 2023 (House of Commons Library)

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Boarding schools versus day schools – which is better?

Considering whether to send your child to a boarding school or day school can feel like a momentous choice. Both types of school have their benefits and disadvantages, and it is important to consider where your child will thrive best. Equally, both sectors are incredibly varied; there are competitive, sporty day schools, liberal co-ed boarding schools and everything in between. It is certainly worth spending time researching and visiting a range of schools in both sectors. Make sure to discuss any options with your child, and give them input in the decision-making process; they are far more likely to flourish at a school of their choice.

Boarding – the key benefits:

Independence

Boarding schools foster a remarkable sense of personal responsibility and independence. Students learn to take the lead in both their lessons and wider activities; at Eton, for example, most extra-curricular activities are run by the students themselves. Westminster is known for encouraging a debate-style curriculum where students are free to challenge one another’s views. This cultivation of independence also extends to students’ lives in boarding houses; at Wycombe Abbey, girls in the sixth form move into Clarence House to experience ‘university-style’ living, so that the transition to college life is relatively seamless. Cheltenham Ladies’ College also operates separate boarding houses for the sixth form, giving the oldest students a greater degree of independence.

Social skills

Whilst children socialise at day schools too, the experience of living and working with your peers can be instrumental in forming life-long friendships, as well as helping students develop excellent communication skills. Many former boarders report how their friends from school are like siblings to them, and most schools recreate a familial structure through ‘mixed-age’ dormitories. Having such close bonds with peers gives students the self-confidence they need to adapt to new environments in later life.

Flexibility

Boarding offers families flexibility. For professional parents who travel frequently on business, a day-school routine would need to be supplemented by a host of other child-care arrangements. Boarding can therefore offer both children and parents greater consistency. Schools have also evolved considerably over the years to provide a range of boarding options to suit families; most schools now offer flexi or weekly boarding, where students spend part of the week or weekends at home. This can also be a good way to test whether full boarding would suit your child.

Free time

Day-school counterparts may spend their evenings in a whirlwind of activities, yet most boarders benefit from unstructured free time before dinner or at weekends. Unhampered by technology (mobile phones are usually banned) students are free to relax with friends in their boarding-house in the evenings. The use of supervised ‘prep’ time to complete homework allows students to concentrate fully on homework whilst not feeling unduly burdened by academic pressure.

Boarding – the disadvantages:

It is not for everyone

Whilst many students flourish at boarding-school, it does not always suit every child. It would be unwise to withdraw a child at the first sign of homesickness, yet not every young person is ready to live away from their parents. Think carefully about how your child would adapt, and investigate the pastoral support offered by the school. Most schools do have a range of excellent support, from operating a ‘buddy’ system for newcomers to the pastoral care offered by house masters and mistresses. Nonetheless, if your child seems anxious about the prospect of boarding, it could be unwise to pressure them into a change of school. Studies suggest students adapt to boarding much more readily if they themselves have chosen to board.

Day Schools – the benefits:

Closer supervision

One of the most important benefits of day schooling is that it enables you to keep in much closer contact with your child. Spending time together each day as a family arguably creates stronger bonds between you, as well as giving you greater input as a parent. You have a detailed understanding of your child’s well-being, their current friendships and latest passions, as well as being aware of any worries or concerns they might have (academic or otherwise).

Academic Excellence

There are clearly some very academically successful boarding schools, yet day schools seem to have the edge; of the 50 top secondary independent schools in The Times’ 2018 League Table, just 15 are boarding schools. In terms of why this might be the case, day schools can perhaps be more selective owing to the level of competition for places, especially within London. Nonetheless, using an 11+ tutor can help your child in navigating the admissions tests, giving them access to some of the best educational provision in the country. The results at many top London day schools speak for themselves; at Highgate School this year, 68% of all A Level candidates achieved 1 A* or more; at St Paul’s Girls’ School, a staggering 92% of all GCSE grades were an A*. Even for academically selective schools, these results are highly impressive.

Co-ed schooling

Whilst mixed boarding schools exist, co-ed schooling is far more prevalent in day schools. Many parents now actively seek mixed schooling for their children, as single-sex education is viewed as somewhat old-fashioned. Given that young men and women will need to work together at university and in later life, single-sex boarding schools can seem rather outdated.

Wider cultural experiences

In London day schools, students can take advantage of the plethora of wider cultural experiences on their doorstep. City of London School is notably only a few minutes’ walk away from the Tate Modern, whilst University College School students can enjoy theatre and cultural events in both Hampstead and central London. This is not to suggest that boarding schools do not offer a wide range of extra-curricular trips and experiences, yet students in central London are uniquely well-placed to attend seminars, films and exhibitions on a diverse range of topics.

Disadvantages:

Lack of flexibility

Day schooling may not be the best option for families with demanding schedules; although most offer after-school clubs and activities, working parents will still need to arrange childcare and other supervision for their children. Many families therefore decide that children will feel more settled in a boarding environment with their peers; this is especially true for parents who may need to spend extended periods of time overseas.

So, which is best?

Overall, there is no definitive answer on which type of school may be best for your child. There is considerable diversity within each sector, so that it is difficult to generalise about either type of school. The best day and boarding schools will offer excellent provision in all areas, so that students benefit from outstanding teaching, first-class extra-curricular activities and brilliant facilities.

Before coming to a decision, visit a range of schools and consider which type of school will suit your child’s needs, as well as the needs of the family. Think about your child’s individual characteristics and how the school may support their interests and abilities. Nonetheless, ultimately, once your child is settled at a highly regarded school, whether day or boarding, they are likely to flourish and enjoy the wealth of opportunities on offer. Most schools are also increasingly flexible, with some day schools offering a limited amount of boarding places in sixth form (St Paul’s School, for instance, while predominantly a day school, has thirty-five places for boarders, with flexi and weekly boarding offered to suit individual families). Equally, most boarding schools also now offer a number of arrangements to allow each child to adapt to boarding at their own pace.

How to apply

Once you have investigated which school is the best option for your family, it may be advisable to employ an English tutor or Maths tutor to assist in preparing your child for the 11+ or 13+ Common Entrance exam. Entrance requirements for the most prestigious schools are highly competitive, so ensure your child is prepared through practising past papers with an 11+ or 13+ tutor. Besides Maths and English others subjects will be assessed in 13+ Common Entrance Tests and 13+ Scholarships. A tutor may also be able to help your child prepare for interview questions, an important part of the overall application process.

Whilst choosing the right school for your child can feel daunting, there is outstanding provision available in both sectors. If you research the options carefully and attend open days with your child, you will almost certainly find a school that is right for them, where they can flourish academically and socially.

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