Entertainment · Books & Arts · 1 day ago
UK cultural and education groups face criticism over higher fees for private schools
Several UK cultural and education organisations charge independent schools more than state schools for some visits and activities.
Shakespeare’s Globe in London charges £14 per pupil for “other” schools, compared with £12 for state schools.
The National Space Academy charges £850 for a masterclass, while state schools and charities pay £650.
The Bank of England has excluded private school pupils from some presentations and storytelling sessions at its museum.
The groups say the differences can unfairly affect pupils, including those from lower-income families who attend independent schools on bursaries.
The Space Academy says its discounts follow conditions set by its grant funders, while the Bank says its decision reflects limited funding and pupils’ existing interest in economics.
The organisations were contacted for comment, but no further response is included.
Several UK cultural and education organisations charge independent schools more than state schools for visits, workshops and classes.
The Shakespeare’s Globe charges £12 per state school student and £14 for pupils at “other” schools.
The National Space Academy charges £850 for a masterclass, compared with £650 for state schools and charities.
The Bank of England excluded private school pupils from some educational presentations, saying they already show an interest in economics and that its budget is limited.
A parent-led campaign group said the pricing and exclusions discriminate against children, including those from lower-income families attending independent schools on bursaries.
- Who
- Shakespeare’s Globe, the National Space Academy, the Bank of England and the Quentin Blake Centre for Illustration are among the organisations discussed.
- What
- Some charge independent schools higher fees than state schools; private school pupils were also excluded from some Bank of England presentations.
- When
- Reported on 10 October 2026.
- Where
- The United Kingdom.
- Why
- The National Space Academy said its discounts for state schools reflect stipulations from grant funders. The Bank of England cited limited funding and said private school pupils already show an interest in economics.
Education Not Taxation and critics of higher fees
The National Space Academy
Pricing and access
Education Not Taxation and critics of higher fees
The two-tier approach discriminates against children and may penalise lower-income families whose children attend independent schools on bursaries.
The National Space Academy
Discounts for state schools are required by stipulations from grant funders.
We are disappointed to learn that organisations such as the National Space Academy are discriminating against, or outright excluding, children simply because they attend independent schools.
The theatres' premium for independent school children isn't inclusion, it's discrimination.
The Royal Shakespeare Company was accused of charging private school students more than state school students for theatre visits.
The Daily Mail reported on higher fees for independent schools and exclusions from some Bank of England presentations.
- Shakespeare’s Globe fees
- £12 per state school student; £14 for pupils at “other” schools
- National Space Academy masterclass
- £850; £650 for state schools and charities
- Quentin Blake Centre classes
- £400 per day for state schools; £575 for independent schools
- Bank of England presentations
- Private school pupils were excluded from some educational sessions
Sources
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