Prestigious international school that claimed steady pupil numbers could shut over falling roll

Fairview International School in Bridge of Allan announced yesterday (Thursday) that a consultation with staff and parents is now underway to “consider its future”.

In a statement, the school said it was suffering a double blow of “significant financial challenges” and “declining enrolment numbers”.

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Last year, the school told The Scotsman it had seen just a 2.27 per cent drop in student intake since the introduction of VAT on school fees.

This is significantly lower than other private schools in Scotland, which have reported declines of up to 9 per cent.

At the time, a spokeswoman said this was because Fairview had chosen to absorb the 20 per cent imposed VAT rather than pass it on to parents.

However, in the intervening six months the financial picture has changed.

Jane Barrowcliff, recently promoted to Acting Headteacher at Fairview International School, Bridge of Allan, said the school is “deeply saddened” by the situation.

“The school has faced significant financial challenges in terms of operating to the standards we aim to offer,” she said.

“This, alongside declining enrolment numbers is not something that can continue indefinitely.

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“We are deeply saddened that a period of consultation with staff and other stakeholders is now underway as the future of the school is considered.”

Fairview, run by a Malaysian education company, which was founded in 1978, took over the former Beaconhurst School site in 2019.

Fairview International School in Bridge of Allan is the only school in Scotland that offers the through programme International Baccalaureate (IB), running three IB programmes from age five to 18.

It is understood the school will remain open until the end of the academic year and run classes as usual.

Independent schools across Scotland are struggling following the move by Labour to introduce 20 per cent VAT on fees.

Some schools, like Fairfield, have opted to absorb the increase while others have hiked fees.

In February lawyers representing the families of low-paying faith schools launched a legal action over the VAT introduction.

In court they argued the policy was discriminatory and in breach of human rights law.

However, the court rejected this and said home schooling was an option if they did not want to accept state provision.

Private schools in Scotland say the number of pupils they have enrolled has dropped by more than 1,000 since the change.

The organisation that represents Scotland’s private schools said the “vindictive and flawed” policy will end up costing the taxpayers money.

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The Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) said a census of members had found there are 25,919 pupils in the current school year, compared with 27,781 at the same point in the previous year.

Ms Barrowfield added that supporting the school’s pupils and their families was now the priority.

She said: “Our immediate priority is to support our students and their families and ensure continuity, stability and care throughout this time.

“We are immensely proud of the community that has been built at the school, and it is a privilege to be part of our students’ education and development.”