ISC Census – Our Analysis

ISC Census – Our Analysis featured image
19 May 2023

We’re excited to share our insights on the recently released ISC Census, which we’ve eagerly delved into this morning.

At MTM Consulting, our go-to data usually comes from the DfE census, set to be unveiled in a few weeks. Why? Well, the DfE census encompasses all schools, whereas the ISC census is limited to ISC member schools. Simply put, if their membership increases, the numbers naturally go up. Nonetheless, there are some intriguing highlights worth noting from the ISC census.

Numbers

First and foremost, the overall numbers are on the rise, which is undeniably good news! It’s particularly encouraging to observe that 110,211 pupils, accounting for 20% of the total, are new to their respective schools. This suggests a renewed focus on marketing and sales efforts, signalling positive growth.

However, pupil numbers in London have experienced the smallest increase. This finding piques our interest, and we’ll be sure to cross-reference these figures with the DfE census to ascertain if this trend extends to all schools or exclusively applies to ISC members.

Boarding and International Students

The census also reveals that the sharp decline in the number of students from China since the onset of Covid has persisted into 2023. There was an expectation that these numbers would rebound as Chinese pupils returned, but it appears this is not the case. Schools relying heavily on international students from China may now need to reassess their strategies accordingly.

The ISC census points to robust growth in the boarding school community generally, as evidenced by an increase of over 1,000 pupils on census day (20 January) compared to the previous year. This upward trajectory showcases a healthy expansion within the sector. However, it’s worth noting a slight deviation from the recent trend favouring weekly and flexi-boarding. While these alternatives have been gaining popularity in recent years, this year’s data reveals a minor decline in their adoption.

Bursary Support

On a final positive note, the census highlights an increase in the number of bursaries awarded, with a higher proportion of children receiving substantial support. Are school development teams working harder to generate additional funds to facilitate this expansion of bursaries, or are schools simply adjusting their fees for parents? While a portion of these efforts can be attributed to political motivations and a genuine desire to demonstrate charitable impact, it is undeniable that a significant portion also stems from the necessity to increase the number of pupils on roll.

These key takeaways from the ISC census shed light on important trends within the education landscape. As we eagerly await the forthcoming DfE census, we anticipate further insights that will help shape our understanding of the broader educational landscape.

Stay tuned for more updates!

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