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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If you already have – well done! If you haven’t, you are missing a trick for a very simple way to rapidly improve your child’s education.

For some it may seem like a strange idea, but it’s actually very common. Over the last few years more and more articles have appeared in national newspapers highlighting this growing trend. The reason for such rapid growth: it makes the difference.

Smart Learning

The key reason for having a tutor with you on holiday is quite simple: it’s about maximising the opportunities you are already giving your children.

Travelling and going abroad is one of the most fascinating experiences a human can have. To see other places is eye opening and exciting. It’s also one of the best ways for children to learn. Another culture, a new way of life, is the perfect intellectual breeding ground. 

Where could a tutor help?

Where a tutor can help is to harness the experiences for effective learning. A tutor can help a child apply what they have learnt in school, and use the exciting environment & experiences to provide the spark to get a child truly into subjects – which will engender a guaranteed improvement in results.

Languages

Languages are the really obvious benefit from going on holiday. Whether it’s picking up some more French walking around markets in Cannes, to getting the hang of spoken Arabic in Morocco, visiting countries provides an easy access into a new language. Seeing the thrill on a child’s face when they successfully have a conversation with a local, the realisation that they have cracked part of a language is truly unique.

This is where a tutor can be extremely effective. A tutor in this situation can teach your child language lessons in the morning. Then, using what they’ve learnt, your child can go out and practice in the real world in the afternoon. This repetition and practice ensures that the knowledge will stick.

Unlike in schools where languages can often seem like a translation exercise, when abroad it makes sense to the child as a way to open up a different culture. The lessons don’t even need to take place indoors – they can be out and about on the streets. This is the ultimate learning tool – and would make for a great holiday. What better benefit on having a holiday than to have acquired the basics of a new language for life, and also being able to tell their friends about it.

History

History is an area that could have a profound influence on your child. It’s overlooked by some parents as it doesn’t appear to directly improve a child’s life (in a way that languages do). However, there are parents all over the country that have seen its potential, and are getting their children into schools and universities.

Where history plays a unique role is in its ability to educate on a wider cultural scale – which can cover everything from art to economics, supporting a myriad of subjects. This broad knowledge helps develop a well-rounded child – which is highly valued.

There is no better time to develop this than when on holiday. Getting a tutor that is familiar with the country or area that you are visiting will help your children expand their historical and cultural awareness. A good tutor will focus on the areas that your child is interested in, developing their knowledge, and providing that inspirational spark that will produce results back at school.

But crucially, where historical knowledge can make a huge difference is in a very short moment that can define the rest of their life – the school or University interview. The historical knowledge acquired on holiday could set your child apart from all the others. It could be the knowledge that convinces an establishment of a desire to learn, and convey that they are an interesting, intelligent person.

Summer is the key time to get ahead for the next year, and for life – and the way to do it is with the help of a tutor on your holiday.

Top tip:

Don’t want to take the tutor with you? Book them to spend some time with your children the week before. Although not quite as effective, it could still help them whilst you’re abroad.

By Jonathan Coates @coates_jonathan

The post ‘I took my tutor on holiday!’ – the phrase you’ll hear next September and why it’s making their children better. appeared first on Hampstead and Frognal Tutors.

In a nutshell, Bryant name-checked Blunt (along with Eton-educated actor Eddie Redmayne) in remarks he made about the arts being dominated by those from posh schools.

Blunt fired back with some questionable swearing, whilst accusing Bryant of ‘classism’, and retorted that no one at his boarding school encouraged him to go into the music business.

Nonetheless, privately educated people are disproportionately represented in many areas of British life, be it music and acting as in the cases of Blunt and Redmayne, or politics, with 36% of the cabinet having attended private school (compared with just 7% of the population).

Even if, as Blunt says, he was given no specific encouragement to pursue music, is there something about a private school education that means your child is more likely to pen the next ‘You’re Beautiful’ (or, perhaps more pertinently, lead the government of the United Kingdom)?

Aside from the commonly cited benefits of academic competitiveness and lower class sizes, there are a number of ‘soft’ factors that could contribute to the success of children from private schools.

For instance, many private schools place great emphasis on their history. Children who attend lessons in venerable old buildings, watched over benevolently by portraits of former head teachers are subtly encouraged to think of themselves as belonging to a tradition. Not only does this confer a sense of ‘specialness’, but it also exposes students to the language and iconography of power early in life. A child who has attended an old private school is likely to feel more attuned to the ceremony and pomp of Oxbridge than one who has attended a modern comprehensive.

The same could be said of the speech patterns children pick up in private school. Received Pronunciation remains ubiquitous on our screens and airwaves, and, unfair though it may be, surveys continue to show that posh accents are regarded as more intelligent, honest and charming by the public. So our ingrained preconceptions means we’re more likely believe being told ‘You’re Beautiful’ by James Blunt than, say, Alan Sugar.

Young Blunt and Redmayne undoubtedly benefitted from after school activities too. Many private schools offer all sorts of clubs and societies, offering students valuable opportunities for personal growth and exploration. An Eton boy like Redmayne could see as many as thirty plays per year performed by his peers – that kind of cultural capital is priceless.

Then there’s the culture of expectation. Many private schools regularly achieve rafts of outstanding grades, and it’s far less remarkable for students to apply for places at Oxbridge. In an atmosphere where this kind of success is expected, children tend to rise to meet those expectations. Perhaps James Blunt inherited a drive to rise to the top of the charts from this kind of competitive environment.

Of course, it’s often argued that this can turn private schools into hot houses, where children are put under immense pressure to achieve top grades, at the expense of their individuality.

Critics also point to the lack of diversity in many private schools as compared to their state counterparts. Learning respect and emotional intelligence when dealing with people from all backgrounds is a vital life skill that is perhaps more readily achieved in the state sector than the more homogenous private demographic.

Furthermore, the success of Blunts and Redmaynes may be attributable not to anything special about their schooling but simply their parents’ connections. Parents from more privileged socio-economic groups tend to have the financial and cultural capital that gives their children an advantage, and the luxury of time, when it comes to pursuing their calling.

The fact remains that private schooling is typically part of a more complex picture. The likelihood is that if you can afford to send your child to a private school, you can afford to help them in many other ways too – many of them hard to quantify. Blunt may not like to admit it, but a private education remains the most reliable marker of a head start in life.

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