The Independent Schools Council (ISC) has published the results of a detailed survey of overseas students at ISC member schools. The survey provides a unique insight into the financial, administrative and long-term implications of the overseas market both to the UK economy as a whole and the UK independent school sector. But the ISC is concerned that, following the recent wave of student visa restrictions, there is a lasting impression that “Britain is no longer welcoming overseas pupils”.
Among the most significant of the ISC survey findings is the news that that the majority of overseas pupils studying at UK independent schools choose to continue their studies to higher education in the UK. An incredible 77% of 6th formers in the study were reported to stay on in the UK for further study.
The ISC has expressed concerns that the recent government restrictions on student visas has the potential to pose a “disincentive” for overseas families and pupils to even begin their studies in the UK if they will ultimately be prevented from continuing on into the UK higher education system.
The survey itself is partly in preparation for the ISC’s on-going lobbying campaign to reduce the burden of administration on schools and parents of pupils seeking to study in the UK. Kristen DiLemmo, Researcher at the ISC has commented that the survey “highlights the burden of visa processing bureaucracy that schools already face”.
From April this year all independent schools with an 'A' rating and appropriate accreditation have automatically been awarded HTS status for 1 year under Tier 4 of the points-based system. While this is good news for UK independent schools, the ISC and other independent schools associations have expressed concerns over unanswered questions.
The survey estimates that a staggering £2.7 million is already spent annually by the independent school sector on visa and sponsorship administration. This figure is based on the annual cost to ISC schools, including licensing fees, additional staffing and staff time. At an average cost of £5,000 per school per year it is little wonder that the ISC consistently seeks to clarify the rules and to lobby for improvements to the current system.
The ISC Annual Census 2011 revealed that there were just under 25,000 non-British pupils with parents living overseas. This amounts to a 5.5% increase on figures from 2010. The ISC survey goes on to interrogate the figures even further with student numbers broken down by European Economic Area (EEA) and non EEA.
As a result, 70% were found to be from non-EEA as a whole. The fastest growing markets were found to be Europe (including Russia), China and Africa. Interestingly, North America and Japan have fallen as major markets and Australia and Taiwan have seen a “consistent decrease” since 2007.
However, it is the continuation of the large proportion of overseas students that go into UK higher education, following the recent government student visa restrictions that concern the ISC. A “significant” number of pupils enter UK independent schools not long before they join UK higher education institutions and it is estimated that 8,000 non EEA students from ISC schools continue into UK HEI after 6th form.
Student visa restrictions were brought in earlier this year by the government to contribute to the coalition's commitment to reduce net immigration. From April 2012 all institutions wanting to sponsor students were required to be classed as 'highly trusted sponsors' (HTS) and become accredited by statutory education inspection bodies. Those coming to study at degree level are required to speak a higher level of English and UK Border Agency (UKBA) staff will have the right to refuse entry to students who cannot speak English without an interpreter and who therefore do not meet the required standards.
Ms DiLemmo said, “If overseas pupils start taking their business elsewhere as a result of feeling unwelcome or facing additional hurdles, the financial toll on both the independent and HEI sectors could certainly be great; ISC’s Annual Census shows that around half a billion pounds in fees are being paid by overseas sources this academic year”. Ms DiLemmo, added, “Of course one cannot discount the less quantifiable impact on cultural diversity and the international exchange of ideas and talent.”
The ISC reports that the numbers of non EU students choosing to study in UK higher education institutions annually are totalling around 300,000.
Re:locate reported last week that, following the publication of the government’s higher education white paper, universities minister David Willetts was keen to dispel fears about overseas student restrictions, “Let me make it absolutely clear that there are no number controls on overseas students. We continue to welcome to this country overseas students who have the ability to benefit from studying at our universities.”
However, Ms DiLemmo believes that the UK independent school sector has its work cut out, “As concerns are largely related to perception, our efforts need to concentrate on marketing as much as lobbying. When engaging with prospective pupils and their families, we as a sector must be equipped to discuss access to UK universities. If the UKBA is serious about maintaining access for “the brightest and the best”, then we should certainly expect the door to remain open to ISC’s overseas pupils.”
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