Private schools keep charitable status after probe

Edinburgh Academy was among the schools allowed the keep their charitable status. Picture: Andrew Stuart/TSPL

A NUMBER of private schools have been allowed to keep their charitable status following an investigation by the regulator.

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) said Aberdeen Waldorf School, Craigholme in Glasgow, Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board, Morrison’s Academy in Crieff, St Mary’s in Melrose and Edinburgh Academy had all met the charity test.

The Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board oversees Mark Erskine School, Stewart’s Melville College and George Watson’s College.

Martin Tyson, the OSCR’s head of registration, said: “The six decisions we have announced today mean that we have now completed the bulk of the reviews we announced just over a year ago.”

“We will continue to work with the three schools that remain under the terms of our directions and encourage them to take the necessary steps to remain on the Register.”

Having charitable status allows schools to access tax breaks and apply for rates relief.

In October, the OSCR announced Loretto School in East Lothian had failed its tests, meaning it risked being stripped of its charitable status. Since then, the school has introduced 105 per cent bursaries to attract more students from poorer backgrounds.