The Independent Schools Council (ISC) last week published its 2010 Annual Census, which clearly showed that the effects of the recession are being felt among UK independent schools. The census also shows an average increase in school fees of 4%, labelled as “the smallest annual increase since 1994″, though still amounting to an average increase in fees of almost £500 per year for parents. A significant rise in international pupils has provided positive news. Read more
In the News
mtm is featured on TimesOnline
mtmconsulting has provided yesterday’s guest article for the SchoolGate blog at The Times website. The article’s focus is the possible effects that Michael Gove’s proposed free-schools policies may have on existing independent schools in the UK.
The rise, and slightly slower rise, of commercial school chains
by Joe Faulkner, Senior Schools Consultant
With a note in the TES today reporting that Cognita has put its UK projects on hold - for the time being – in response to the recession (“We expect the market to start picking up in again in 2011″ says Charles Robinson, their director of strategic development), the following excerpt from the acclaimed mtmconsulting Independent Education Sector Report 2010 is particularly pertinent, exploring the rise and positioning of commercial independent education chains. Read more
Are there alternatives to fee inflation, asks mtm?
from The Times, 13th April 2010
The Times has reported that independent school fees look set to rise again this year, ahead of inflation rates. The article writes that several schools contacted who have “already announced fees for September have increased them by between 3 and 4.5 per cent.” In the article the paper lists a number of schools that it had contacted, and references the Chief Executive of AGBIS (Association of Governing Bodies at Independent Schools), who said that while schools will aim to keep increases low, it would be difficult for them to come in under inflation.
Gove suggests opportunities for profit-making in free schools
from Sunday Times, April 11th 2010
The shadow schools secretary, Michael Gove, has indicated that the Conservatives’ plans to introduce parent-run ‘free schools’ may provide an opportunity for private education groups to become involved on a for-profit basis. In an interview with the Sunday Times, Gove confirmed “I do see a role for the private sector”. It is likely that this may result in leaders of free-schools subcontracting core services to for-profit groups.
mtm is featured in the Financial Times
from Financial Times, Top 1,000 Schools 19th March 2010
mtmconsulting has been featured in the FT’s top 1,000 Schools supplement over the weekend. The supplement, which includes a league table of the country’s best performing schools – based on 2009 A level results – has referenced mtm’s Independent Education Sector Report 2010 in an article ‘Is Class Size Really That Critical’. Read more
Gove strives for ‘free’ schools but what impact on independents?
Michael Gove delivered a convincing and motivating keynote address at the Spectator’s event ‘The Schools Revolution’ in London yesterday in which he underlined his aims to allow parents to establish ‘free’ independent schools funded by the state.
However, the event gave little insight to the impact that such moves might have on the existing fee-charging independent education sector, so Senior Consultant Joe Faulkner looks to our own independent schools research to assess what this might be.
mtm is featured in the Eastern Daily Press
from Eastern Daily Press, 25th February 2010
An article within the EDP newspaper about how Gresham’s – “one of Norfolk’s top public schools” has remained full despite the recession has featured mtmconsulting’s views on independent school strategies to maintain high levels of pupils.
The article, which is not online, details how Greshams is currently enjoying its highest pupil numbers in ten years. It then turns to mtmconsulting’s Principal, Melanie Tucker, who says that average wage increases are an important factor in determining affordablity.
“We note that independent schools often feel the effect of a recession two or three years later”, says Melanie. Then, paraphrasing mtm’s Independent Education Sector Report she adds “public sector budget cuts, widely expected after the next election, often have a beneficial effect on demand for independent schooling”.
The sector report, published last year by mtm is widely seen as the most authoritative and complete overview of the independent schools sector. It is used by school marketing teams, business leaders and educational research groups to gain an overview of sector trends, scenarios and how the sector may change.
For more information on the report, or to discuss any of our school support services, please contact mtm.
Parents pick and switch between sectors: What can school business strategies do?
by Joe Faulkner, Schools Marketing Consultant
An article in today’s Times Educational Supplement cites evidence that “middle-class parents are increasingly choosing to “swing” between private and state sectors when selecting schools for their children, treating the education system like “a box of chocolates”. The Good Schools Guide has suggested that around 60% of people calling its advice line say they are planning dip in and out of state and private sector education during their child’s education. Read more
Recession hits preparatory schools, according to schools advice service
from the Telegraph, 30th January 2010
An independent schools’ advice service, the Good Schools Guide, has reported that an “unprecedented” number of independent preparatory schools have places available at a time of year when they would traditionally be full.
The report in the Telegraph suggests that “small prep schools in particular have been hit by the recession. The financial strain has proved too much for an estimated 30-plus schools which have closed or merged in the past couple of years”.
Although the recession has officially ended, research by mtmconsulting has shown that the full impact of the financial crisis on the education sector may not have been seen yet, and that pupil recruitment over the coming years is likely to be difficult for all but the most sought after schools.
