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New research1 from specialist education insurer Ecclesiastical has revealed that three in five (61%) independent schools are more concerned about repair and maintenance than ever before.
The survey of 250 UK independent school leaders discovered that three in five (60%) independent schools need to do more to improve the health and safety of school buildings.
The research found the top repair and maintenance challenges are unexpected works that haven’t been budgeted for (51%), having a lack of funds in reserves for repair and maintenance (49%), and the increasing impact of climate change and weathering of school buildings (41%). A lack of skilled heritage tradespeople (35%) and generally a lack of tradespeople (30%) are also key concerns.
“As one of the leading insurers of independent schools in the UK, Ecclesiastical is passionate about supporting the independent education sector. Our research has found that the majority of independent schools are increasingly concerned about the health, safety, and repair and maintenance of school buildings. We encourage independent schools to think about the risks they may face and how best to protect their organisations for the future.”
Ecclesiastical Insurance’s Independent Schools Risk Barometer 2024 explores the top risks within the education sector and focuses on key areas of concern, including mergers and acquisitions, mental health, and safeguarding. It is the latest in a series of sector insights from Ecclesiastical Insurance, combining independent research with specialist knowledge from the insurer.
Ecclesiastical Insurance offers a range of risk management support and guidance to help independent schools manage the risks they face.
1 The survey was commissioned by Ecclesiastical Insurance and conducted by OnePoll with 250 UK independent school leaders (including bursars, head teachers, deputy head teachers, heads of departments) 8 to 14 February 2024.