St Mary's Music School Aided Places Scheme 2026-27: equality impact assessment (EQIA)

Screening

Policy Aim

St Mary’s Music School (“the School”) is Scotland’s only independent specialist music school, offering music and academic education to musically gifted children and young people aged 9 to 19 years. It attracts both day and boarding pupils from across Scotland and beyond. Entry to the School is by audition and assessment, based on musical ability and potential, regardless of financial circumstances or background.

Scottish Ministers fund the remission of fees for eligible pupils at the School, under The St Mary’s Music School (Aided Places) (Scotland) Regulations 2015 (“the 2015 Regulations”). Scottish Government funding, up to 100 per cent depending on parental income, is available through the aided places scheme (“the Scheme”) to assist with the cost of tuition and boarding fees of up to 51 pupils at the School. The School is the only independent school receiving direct Scottish Government funding through the Scheme. Around 70% of the pupils at the School receive financial support via the Scheme. Other pupils are supported by bursaries offered by the School. Administration of the Scheme is undertaken by the School, and Ministers have no part in the selection of pupils.

Scottish Ministers work in consultation with the School and approve the maximum fees which the School can charge for pupils who are on the Scheme. These charges are considered annually.

The portion of the fees that are paid by parent are determined by the means-testing calculations and are not linked directly to the fee level.

It should be noted that recent amendments to the 2015 Regulations, following the introduction of VAT on school fees, saw parental income thresholds in relation to fee remission updated, with families earning up to £45,000 seeing a reduction in the amount they are required to contribute to fees. Higher income families will benefit from a reduction in fees due on the lower portion of their income (up to £45,000). These amendments aim to provide more financial support for parents in line with their income, taking into account the higher costs families are currently facing. It should be noted that parents are required to pay VAT at the 20% rate on their contribution to school fees.

National Outcomes addressed:

• Education: We are well educated, skilled and able to contribute to society
• Culture: We are creative and our vibrant and diverse cultures are expressed widely

Who will it affect?

An increase in fee levels could potentially have a detrimental effect on children and young people who are talented musicians considering attending the School, and families of pupils currently studying at the School, where the parental income level is such that they are paying full fees.

An increase in fees will have a positive impact on the School, resulting in enabling the school to cover the increases in wage and other operating costs, and maintain its financial viability. Staff at the School will therefore also be positively impacted by this

What might prevent the desired outcomes being achieved?

Good communication and engagement with the School, alongside consideration of its pupils’ views, is an important part of the process in determining an appropriate fee increase level.

We have worked with the School to determine the most favourable approach which would look to reduce any negative impact on pupils as far as possible, whilst looking to maintain the School’s viability and ensuring this public spending delivers value for money.