An A* business service for schools

Independent schools have an important role to play in the economic well-being of the country. It’s estimated that overseas students alone contribute £6bn a year to the UK economy.

Yet many independent schools are starting to feel the pinch as household budgets begin to feel the full impact of government measures to reduce national debt. A recent report in The Times confirmed that 14 schools had closed in 2010 due to a lack of pupil numbers.

The report added that “the figures, from an annual census of 1,234 independent schools, will not reflect the true scale of falling rolls as it comprises only the larger and stronger schools.”

EMC has a long track record of helping schools to increase pupil numbers; implement projects to increase profitability; introduce cost control measures; and improve efficiency through benchmarking. It has also helped several school owners to maximise the value of their businesses prior to sale.

EMC’s specialist Schools Advisory Team, led by Giselle Barrowcliffe and Julian Clay, provides schools across the region with a comprehensive package of business support services. 

Giselle, a prize-winning member of the Chartered Institute of Management Accountants, said: “There’s no doubt that the next couple of years are going to be very challenging for many schools in the region. The sector has different needs to conventional businesses, which is why we operate as a specialist division, although a lot of its threats and opportunities can be met by standard, sensible business practices.

“We’re able to call on the huge array of expertise available within EMC across all the business disciplines – finance, sales, marketing, communications and so on – and also have a panel of experienced educationalists to help and advise as and when necessary. It’s a unique offering within the sector to help schools build and manage their businesses, improve systems, increase profitability and, where necessary, plan and carry out a successful sale, acquisition or merger.”

The EMC Schools Advisory Team is planning to run a series of seminars for independent schools in the autumn. To register your interest, call 01323 410144.