Demand drops for places at quarter of girls' private schools

ONE in four private girls' schools has seen a fall in demand for places this year as parents struggle to pay fees in the recession, figures suggested today.

A survey of 117 schools found 26 per cent of those admitting girls aged 11 recorded a decrease in the number of parents taking up places and paying a deposit.

Analysts said headteachers should be worried as demand for private schools is likely to fall further.

The Girls' Schools Association, which conducted the survey, said an independent, single-sex education remained as attractive as ever, with 42 per cent of schools reporting an increase in acceptances this year.

But Sue Fieldman, regional editor of the Good Schools Guide, said even parents who have paid a deposit, which can be as much as £1,000, were not certain to turn up in September. "If I was head of one of these schools I would be seriously worried because there is worse to come before things get better. "

Sheila Cooper, executive director of the GSA, said: "Our schools are aware of the financial sacrifices tmany parents are making, and are doing what they can to keep their fees affordable."