Public Benefit
Meeting the charity test
A summary of what's happened so far...
July 2007 : The Office of the Scottish Charities Regulator (OSCR) announced that the first independent school to be reviewed under revised Scottish charities legislation, High School of Dundee, met the charities test.
October 2007 : Ten other independent schools were selected by OSCR to be reviewed (Rolling Review Phase 1a) and the results were announced in October 2008. Six passed the test with a clean bill of health while four were given more time to demonstrate the public benefit they provide.
November 2009 : OSCR approved the plans submitted by Hutchesons' Grammar School, Lomond School, Merchiston Castle School and St Leonards School on how they will meet the Charity Test. The schools were advised by OSCR in October 2008 to draw up plans by October 2009 to indicate how they will meet the public benefit requirements of the Charity Test. They have two years to implement their plans.
February 2010 : OSCR published a short report giving information about the progress that charities which were issued with Directions had made. Additionally, Cargilfield School was reviewed under Rolling Review Phase 1b.
November 2011 : OSCR announced that those four schools that submitted plans had met the charity test and will remain on the Scottish Charity Register.
December 2011 : OSCR confirmed that Cargilfield School had also met the charity test.
February 2012 : OSCR publishes summary report from detailed reviews of charitable status. The document (see below) sets out key issues and provides a checklist for charity trustees.
September 2012 : OSCR confirms that it is seeking to complete its reviews of schools as part of the charity test - see link below.
January 2013 : OSCR confirms that 10 more schools have passed the charity test and issues directions to a further 3. An additional 8 schools are confirmed as being under review.
April 2013: OSCR announces that a further 5 independent schools have passed the charity test, with 1 more issued with a direction.
For further information, please see the Press Releases page of this website and OSCR's reports via the links, below.
The schools below have been reviewed, met the charity test and demonstrated their public benefit are:
1 Donaldson's, Linlithgow
2 George Heriot's School, Edinburgh
3 Glasgow Steiner School
4 Gordonstoun School, Moray
5 High School of Dundee
6 Regius School, Edinburgh
7 St Mary's Music School, Edinburgh
8 St Aloysius' College, Glasgow
9 Merchiston Castle School, Edinburgh
10 Lomond School, Helensburgh
11 St Leonard's School, St Andrews
12 Hutchesons' Grammar School, Glasgow
13 Cargilfield School, Edinburgh
14 Ardvreck School, Crieff
15 Beaconhurst School, Bridge of Allan
16 Belhaven Hill, Dunbar
17 Cliftonhall School
18 Craigclowan School, Perth
19 Edinburgh Steiner School
20 The High School of Glasgow
21 Kilgraston School, Bridge of Earn
22 Dollar Academy
23 Strathallan School, Forgandenny
24 St. Margaret's School for Girls, Aberdeen
25 Robert Gordon's College, Aberdeen
26 Kelvinside Academy, Glasgow
27 Belmont House, Newton Mearns
28 Glenalmond College, Perth
Demonstrating Public Benefit
Demonstrating Public Benefit
Many independent schools are built on charitable foundations and are keenly aware of their charitable roots. They have a deep and active commitment to public benefit and welcome pupils from a broad social spectrum. Independent schools make a significant contribution to the education, the economy and social fabric of Scotland.
John Edward, Director of SCIS said, "In terms of the charities legislation, the schools have to demonstrate that they exist for a charitable purpose, namely the advancement of education, and that they provide public benefit. OSCR has to determine whether the fees charged constitute an unduly restrictive condition - the schools aim to keep their fees as low as possible, whilst maintaining standards, and are as generous as their funds will allow in extending financial assistance to those who cannot afford the full fee. The schools appreciate their responsibilities as charities and are well prepared to meet the charity test."
