Independent Schools: Financial Planning for the Future

Westminster Insight’s annual Independent Schools Conference will bring together inspiring leaders and cross-sectoral experts to discuss current challenges and share innovative best practice.

One of the key themes of the conference will be financial planning for the future,  providing delegates with practical strategies to reduce the impact of VAT and manage fluctuating enrolment numbers.

In advance of the conference, we caught up with Leanne Chandler, Director of Operations, Denstone College and Chair of The Schools’ Enterprise Association to hear her perspectives on the future of financial resilience in the independent school sector.

Finding innovative ways to diversify and grow non-fee income

‘The impact of VAT on school fees, alongside rising National Insurance contributions and the loss of business rates relief, has kept many Heads and Bursars awake at night. It’s fair to say that the past year has been one of the most challenging periods the independent school sector has ever faced.

In response, schools have been compelled to examine not only how to operate more efficiently—through improved financial management, energy use, and sustainability – but also how to reduce their dependency on tuition fees. With 97% of income across the sector still fee-based, the need to diversify revenue streams has never been more urgent.‘

Diversifying revenue streams

‘Commercial departments must now work tirelessly to identify and maximise non-fee income opportunities. What was once considered a “nice to have” has become an essential component of financial sustainability. Beyond traditional holiday lets and summer schools, there is significant potential in term-time ventures such as immersion programmes, on-site cafés and retail outlets, and the evening or weekend use of sports facilities.

When schools invest in large capital projects, they should always consider the commercial opportunities these developments can bring. Even subtle design changes can make a facility more attractive for external hire and help drive commercial revenue. Safeguarding should be viewed as a key enabler of success in this area. Historically seen as a barrier for commercial teams, safeguarding, when approached collaboratively, can now support growth. Working closely with your DSL can help maximise income streams without compromising your core purpose as a school.‘

‘At Denstone College, we found one answer through partnership. Rugby is at the heart of our identity, so when the opportunity arose to collaborate with Leicester Tigers, it was a natural fit. The partnership strengthens our player pathways and enhances our pupils’ experiences—but it also creates tangible commercial value. From residential lets and day camps to large-scale rugby events, the initiative generates significant revenue and brings hundreds of visitors to our campus. Those visitors, in turn, help our admissions team connect with families in key demographic areas.’

Commercial growth doesn’t have to mean compromise

‘Partnerships like this demonstrate that commercial growth doesn’t have to mean compromise. When aligned with a school’s core principles, they can enrich the educational mission while securing a stronger financial future.’

Building a more sustainable and vibrant future

‘The challenges facing our sector are undeniable, but they also present an opportunity. By reimagining what our schools can offer beyond the classroom, through partnerships, community engagement, and entrepreneurial thinking we can build a more sustainable and vibrant future.

Financial resilience doesn’t mean losing sight of our values; it means finding new ways to live them.’

Attend our Independent Schools Conference in central London on 11 March 2026 to hear more from Leanne and our expert line up of speakers on all of the current challenges and opportunities for the sector. From workforce strategies, innovations in school marketing, how to develop mutually beneficial partnerships to curriculum and assessment design, join us to network with senior teams from independent schools and find out how your colleagues are adapting and innovating to change.

View the full agenda and book your place today