Cultural bodies face criticism over higher fees for independent schools
Several British cultural and educational organisations have been criticised for charging independent schools more than state schools, or excluding private school pupils from some activities. A parent-led campaign group says these policies can unfairly affect children from lower-income families who attend independent schools on bursaries, and may deepen divisions between pupils.
The Globe charges £12 per state school pupil and £14 for pupils from other schools; the National Space Academy charges £650 for a masterclass for state schools and charities, compared with £850 otherwise. The Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration charges £400 per day for state schools and £575 for independent schools, while private school pupils were excluded from some Bank of England museum presentations. The Space Academy said its discounts reflect conditions set by grant funders; the Bank said it had a limited budget and believed state school pupils were less likely to have an existing interest in economics.
- Some organisations charge independent schools higher fees.
- Private school pupils were excluded from some Bank of England sessions.
- The Space Academy says grant conditions shape its discounts.
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Some cultural and educational organisations charge different fees for activities depending on whether a school is state-funded or independent. Independent schools charge fees to attend, though some pupils receive bursaries that help cover the cost.
The organisations involved include theatres, museums and educational centres. Their policies vary: some offer lower prices to state schools, while some activities have been restricted to state school pupils.
The debate concerns how organisations can widen access while working within budgets or funding conditions. Critics say distinctions between schools may also affect pupils at independent schools who receive financial help.
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The case for
Supporters of lower fees or priority access for state schools argue that public funding and limited educational budgets should help reach pupils who have fewer opportunities to engage with cultural and educational institutions. Differentiated prices can stretch scarce resources towards state schools, while funder conditions may require such targeting; prioritising pupils less likely to have existing access or interest may also broaden participation.
The case against
Critics argue that charging more or excluding pupils because of their school type can penalise children whose families cannot afford standard fees, including those attending independent schools on bursaries. They say eligibility based on school category overlooks individual circumstances and risks deepening divisions between pupils, so support should be targeted more directly by need.
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Originally published by Daily Mail as “Shakespeare’s Globe and National Space Academy are accused of ‘discriminating’ against private schools with two-tier pricing”.