ISBA BURSARCAST // What does the Independent School Sector value? ft Julie Robinson (5th December 2025)

Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC joins us this week to unpack the latest pressures on the independent sector—from pupil number drops and VAT concerns to Autumn Budget implications and staffing risks.We touch on headline data, including a 3.6% fall in pupil numbers, and explore wider financial signals like rising staff costs and a new cap on pension-related NI relief.Also covered: changes to unfair dismissal law, SEND funding reform, and how schools are using partnerships to stay resilient in challenging conditions. Key Points3.6% pupil drop in 2024–25VAT impact on fees and demandBudget 2025: rising NLW, NI relief capUnfair dismissal: 6-month protection from 2026SEND reform on the horizonSector positivity via Partnerships WeekLinks mentionedISBA WebsiteISC WebsitePartnerships BookletEmail: [email protected] – we’d love to hear from you. The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIOwww.rafikistudio.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.