The Scottish Council for Independent Schools (SCIS) claim in a new report that they have provided over £51 million in fee assistance in the current academic year.
There are 74 member schools, of which 19 are situated in Edinburgh, and SCIS assert that figures provided by their members show that almost a quarter of mainstream pupils received financial assistance towards fees of £30.8 million. 3% of pupils received 100% support, and a further £20.3 million was awarded on a non means-tested basis by way of sibling discount, scholarships and staff discounts.
This is an increase of almost £2.5 million on the previous year.
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.”
The member schools in Edinburgh are :
Basil Paterson Middle School
Cargilfield
Clifton Hall School
Dunedin School
Edinburgh Montessori Arts School
The Edinburgh Academy
Edinburgh Steiner School
ESMS Junior School
Fettes College
George Heriot’s School
George Watson’s College
Harmeny School
The Mary Erskine School
Merchiston Castle School
Regius School
Royal Blind School
St George’s School for Girls
St Mary’s Music School
Stewart’s Melville College
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