ISC census 2025

The latest Independent Schools Council (ISC) census, published annually in May based on January data, reveals several key trends for UK boarding.  

Increase in costs – and bursaries 

Unsurprisingly, the UK government’s decision to tax education has led to an increase in fees. The average boarding fee at a UK independent school is now £43,095 per year. This is up just 1.6% on 2023-24 but jumps to £51,714 when VAT is applied, which means parents are seeing a 22% increase in real terms. 

This may be why ISC schools have expanded their financial assistance programs, with £440 million now provided in means-tested fee assistance for pupils at ISC schools. Nearly half of all pupils on means-tested bursaries have more than half their fees remitted.  

Decline in numbers 

ISC schools reported a 2% year-on-year drop in pupil numbers with a more marked drop amongst boarders – 3.4% or 2,409 fewer pupils registered to board. This is no doubt due to VAT and parents making difficult choices to bring school bills down rather than removing their child from an education setting altogether. (The BSA conducts a separate state boarding census, which found the average number of boarders per UK state boarding school remained stable between September 2023 and September 2024.) 

Across all ISC schools – including day schools – the biggest drop in numbers was seen at entry points, with reception, year 3, and year 7 all showing pupil numbers reducing by more than 5%. This suggests it will take years for the full impact of VAT to become apparent. 

Changing global interest 

There are now 25,526 non-British pupils with overseas parents (including 93% who board) at ISC schools, marking a nearly 14% decrease from a 2020 peak. Anecdotally, we are hearing the UK is being seen as less welcoming due to stricter post-Brexit visa regulations, increased healthcare costs, and, of course, VAT. 

It is worth reiterating that international students are a vital part of our school communities and we urge global families to consider UK boarding.  

In terms of regional changes, there has been an increase in students from mainland China whilst the number of pupils from European countries with parents living overseas has continued to fall, albeit with numbers of pupils from EEA countries remaining stable and an increase in students from Germany.  

(Read more coverage from The Times on this topic here.)

Continued appetite for flexibility  

The proportion of weekly and flexi boarders has increased in recent years, although it has recently reduced slightly in ISC schools over the last twelve months – down from 22.0% to 21.2%. The appetite for flexibility continues to vary by age, with more than half of junior boarding pupils boarding flexibly whereas 86% of sixth form boarding pupils are full boarders. Similar patterns are spotted in the state boarding sector, where boarding is most popular in years 10 and 11, and a significant minority now board flexibly.

More emphasis on SEN 

Boarding schools continue to play a vital role in supporting students with special educational needs (SEN). Almost a fifth of ISC pupils (more than 117,000) now receive some form of SEN support, and there has been a 24% increase in the number of ISC pupils with an Educational Health and Care Plan (EHCP). 

Conclusion 

The ISC census 2025 highlights critical challenges facing UK boarding due to recent government policies. However, UK boarding is world-renowned for good reason. At BSA we believe in the unparalleled power of boarding to transform lives, and are here to support member schools as we navigate unprecedented times. 

Watch our short video, entitled ‘This is Boarding’:

On June 3, 2025, BSA Group CEO Robin Fletcher will be sharing more insights into the boarding landscape in a must-attend seminar. Find out more and register here.