Independent schools are often criticised for not working closely enough with their local communities and state schools.
The issue came up in the Lords on July 6 during the committee stage of the Charities (Protection and Social Investment) Bill. Amendments were proposed to compel all independent schools which have charitable status to make their sports, arts, music and drama facilities open to their local communities and state schools.
Such sharing is now widespread; over 90 per cent of schools belonging to the Independent Schools Council (of which Alistair Lexden was for some years General Secretary) are in mutually beneficial partnerships with their local communities and state schools.
He argued strongly against the introduction of compulsion not least because independent schools vary so widely in size and resources.
The amendments were withdrawn but further debate is expected on this important issue in due course.
Follow the link to Alistair Lexden’s speech in the debate…. Hansard