mtm Insights events get schools talking

mtmconsulting’s recent ‘Insight’ events have certainly caused a stir in the sector! This term’s events were held on the 8th October and 5th November, with positive feedback received all round. Designed as discussion forums, our October event used the theme of ‘Competing in a challenging environment’, whilst the November forum highlighted  ‘Scenarios for the future of independent schools in a changing market’. Both engaged the delegates in debate about the issues that really affect their school and how other schools have solved similar problems. 

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Both events, held at the Cavalry and Guards Club, Piccadilly, used themes taken from the mtmconsulting “UK Education Sector Report 2014 : Forecasts, Challenges & Opportunities” including overall trends in the sector, and a more detailed look at the sectors and regions. From these we discussed the opportunities presented to the sector and a look at the potential threats to recruitment.

Some delegates were particularly surprised that the pupil/teacher ratio in independent schools has reduced from 12.6 to 8.3 whilst number of pupils have stagnated. This was explained by other delegates as being due to the increasing number of subjects taught and the necessity to keep specialist staff. This has driven fees up faster than incomes, potentially causing an affordability crisis within the sector.

London has bucked the national trend for roll numbers quite substantially, with delegates noticing an impact within their school. This was partly put down to an increase in security fears at state-maintained schools, with parents preferring the safety of the independent sector.

Understanding the threats and opportunities faced allowed the delegates to discuss the potential scenarios for the future of independent schools for the next 20 years. Unsurprisingly, affordability was high up on the list of concerns, although some other thoughts were particularly interesting. These included:

• What if the GDST go Co-educational?
• Will we see an unbundling of state sector education? Will that require a greater responsibility by the private sector?
• Will parents be more likely to ‘mix and match’ between state and independent education?
• Will ever expanding state schools drive more discerning parents towards the independent sector?
• Many boarding schools are ‘propped up’ by overseas recruitment. At what point will that potential be exhausted?
• What are the opportunities to use school buildings for other purposes to generate additional revenue streams? Is it worth it? How will outsourcing affect the school brand?

Our next Insights events are on 4th February 2014 and 11th March 2014. Book your place now!

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