Scottish Charity Regulator publishes reviews into fee-charging schools

The Scottish Charity Regulator has announced its decisions on the charitable status of another six fee-charging schools.  The schools were assessed under the charity test defined in theCharities and Trustee Investment (Scotland) Act 2005.  All have met the test and are confirmed as keeping their charitable status.

The six schools represent the final batch of the 40 fee-charging schools named by the Regulator for a review of charitable status in September 2012.  Reviews are yet to be completed for four schools – Struthers Memorial Church, Fernhill School Ltd, Oakwood Education Trust and Springvale Education Trust – as their particular characteristics require more detailed consideration.

In addition, OSCR has previously issued directions to three schools from previous batches –St Columba’s School Ltd,  Loretto School and Wellington School (Ayr) Limited – to widen access to the benefit they provide.

The review in Scotland followed the outcome of Independent Schools Council v Charity Commission, which examined the ‘public benefit’ test which independent schools in England and Wales must satisfy in order to be charitable.

For more information please contact Joanne Davison or call 0191 211 7958.