UK boarding schools have seen a notable decline in international student enrolment since the COVID-19 pandemic, with numbers down nearly 14% from 2020, according to the Independent Schools Council. In 2024, 25,500 non-British pupils with overseas parents attended private schools, down from 29,500 in 2020. This decline has resulted in an estimated £29 million loss in fees. Stricter visa rules, rising fees, and increased visa application costs are major factors, with student visas for independent schools falling 4.7% from 2023 to 2024. The largest drops in enrolment were from Spain, Nigeria, Russia, Thailand, and Hong Kong. Proposed government policies, including VAT on school fees and higher student taxes, risk further damaging the UK’s appeal as a top education destination. The Boarding Schools’ Association warns these changes could impact the pipeline to UK universities. Despite schools offering record bursaries and maintaining low fee increases, declining enrolment and revenue cast doubt on the sustainability of such support. Education leaders are urging the government to collaborate in preserving access to independent education amid mounting challenges.
Source: UK boarding schools hit by drop in number of international pupils | The National
