Private school fees may rise to help fund poorer pupils

MIDDLE-CLASS parents could face sharply rising private school fees to subsidise places for poorer children under changes in the law.

The Charity Commission has told independent schools to offer more bursaries for working class pupils or face severe penalties. New rules mean private schools must prove they operate for "public benefit" or lose their charitable status and tax breaks.

The watchdog said this means offering free places, access to lessons and use of sports and arts facilities to children whose parents cannot afford fees.

Chairwoman Dame Suzi Leather added that schools should find "imaginative" solutions, such as giving state pupils access to pools, astro-pitches and concert venues, the chance to join certain lessons, or helping them prepare for Oxbridge interviews. Fees may need to rise to fund these activities, she added.

Andrew Grant, chairman-elect of the Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, said existing parents must not be priced out. "Without fee-paying parents there won't be money for bursaries anyway," he said.

Sue Fieldman, from the Good Schools Guide, said the watchdog's stance came at "the worst time possible". She added: "I can see it being the nail in the coffin for some private schools."