The Scottish charity regular has announced that another six fee-charging private schools will be allowed to remain on its charity register having passed its test of public benefit.
The six schools were reviewed as part of OSCR’s assessment of its charity test in private schools as part of its ongoing programme of reviews of charitable status.
Forty organisations have been reviewed since 2012.
Reviews are yet to be completed for four schools, Struthers Memorial Church, Fernhill School Ltd, Oakwood Education Trust and Springvale Education Trust, as their particular characteristics require more detailed consideration.
In addition, OSCR has previously issued directions to three schools St Columba’s School Ltd, Loretto School and Wellington School (Ayr) Limited – to widen access to the benefit they provide.
St Columba’s must comply with its direction by 31 July 2014, Wellington School by 31 October 2014, and Loretto School by 31 March 2015.
Martin Tyson, OSCR’s head of registration, said that the process was intended to maintain public confidence in charitable status, by ensuring that Scottish charities meet the required standard.
“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,’ he said. ‘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.’
The six schools who have today met OSCR’s charity test are:
- Aberdeen Waldorf School
- Craigholme School
- Edinburgh Merchant Company Education Board
- Morrison’s Academy Trust Scheme
- St Mary’s School, Melrose
- The Proprietors of the Edinburgh Academy
