Independent schools in Cheltenham are in a strong position

INDEPENDENT Schools in Cheltenham remain strong despite the recession, according to education chiefs.

They say pupil numbers continue to rise and good financial planning means they will continue to offer high quality teaching.

In light of financial pressure on parents, Cheltenham College Junior School has decided not to raise fees next academic year.

Parents with children starting in year three this September will pay £9,405 for day pupils and £14,700 for boarders.

The move, believed to be unique in the sector, comes as the Independent Schools' Council warns that pupil numbers may be hit hardest a full two years into the recession.

A minimal one per cent raise has been set for the senior school.

Bosses say the freezing of fees is part of the college's cost-saving strategy over the past 12 months.

In April this year, they announced that 15 staff were set to be made redundant as part of savings brought on by the recession.

Parents with youngsters at the senior college will stump up £27,525 for boarders for the year and £20,625 for day pupils.

Junior School headteacher Adrian Morris said: "Back in March we indicated our ambition to keep fee inc- reases as low as possible and to have no increase is extremely satisfying and I believe unique.

"We're go- ing from strength to strength and looking forward to welcoming an incredibly strong intake of pupils across all year groups in September."

John Richardson, headteacher of the senior school, said: "Not only is it an indication of our absolute determination to keep costs down, but it's also a direct result of strong pupil numbers, particularly as sixth form level where there will be a record intake in September.

"By managing our finances with great care we have put the college in a strong position."

Cheltenham College currently has more than 600 pupils while the junior school has a further 400.

Cheltenham Ladies' College has increased fees by four per cent for September to £17,814 for day pupils and £26,529 for boarders.

Headteacher Vicky Tuck said: "We've used very effective cost control over a number of years so the fee increase has been low compared to our competitors over the past three years.

"This year's increase was needed to enable us to continue to provide the excellent education we give, but we're still cheaper than many other schools of our kind. We have a very thorough grip on what the recession means.

"The type of schools at risk are those who over time have not managed their finances well and taken into account changes such as falling pupil numbers."