Letter: Independent schools seek Blair pledge
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Independent schools seek Blair pledge
Sir: The primacy of education as an election issue gives us the opportunity to highlight the uncertainty surrounding Labour's plans for the charitable status of independent schools.
In an interview on Sky TV last week, Tony Blair stated that "...parents have the right to choose private education if they want to... My poor old daddy worked like mad to put me through it ... that was his choice and I got a very good education".
To help Tony get his "very good education", the Blairs received help from Fettes College with the school fees. The school was able to do this thanks to its charitable status. The relief from business rates this brings enables independent schools to offer generous scholarships and bursaries, and extend access to some of the country's best schools to those who would otherwise struggle with fees.
Education has been established in law as a charitable activity since 1601 and only non-profit-making schools have charitable status. Any surplus money is put back into the school so that more children can benefit. In 1995-6, schools gave away in scholarships and bursaries twice the amount they gained from charitable status. For every pounds 1 in benefit gained, they give away pounds 2 helping children with fees.
If charitable status were removed, there would be far fewer scholarships or bursaries, fees would rise and schools would be forced to become more exclusive.
In its manifesto, Labour says that it "... will never force the abolition of good schools whether in the private or state sector ... We wish to build bridges wherever we can across education divides." Can it give a commitment, therefore, that charitable status will not be challenged by a Labour government?
NICK BEVAN
Chairman, Society of Headmasters and Headmistresses of Independent Schools
HUGH DAVIES JONES
Chairman, Incorporated Association of Preparatory Schools
JACQUELINE LANG
President, Girls' Schools Association
MICHAEL MAVOR
Chairman, Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference
PAUL SPENDLOVE
Chairman, Independent Schools Association
London SW1
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments