{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/68b04f352dd519b5b4708280/692f3c76fb6ea8e378b1a548?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"ISBA BURSARCAST // What does the Independent School Sector value? ft Julie Robinson (5th December 2025)","description":"<p><strong>Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC</strong> joins us this week to unpack the latest pressures on the independent sector—from pupil number drops and VAT concerns to Autumn Budget implications and staffing risks.</p><p>We touch on headline data, including a 3.6% fall in pupil numbers, and explore wider financial signals like rising staff costs and a new cap on pension-related NI relief.</p><p>Also covered: changes to unfair dismissal law, SEND funding reform, and how schools are using partnerships to stay resilient in challenging conditions.</p><p><br></p><h2> Key Points</h2><ul><li>3.6% pupil drop in 2024–25</li><li>VAT impact on fees and demand</li><li>Budget 2025: rising NLW, NI relief cap</li><li>Unfair dismissal: 6-month protection from 2026</li><li>SEND reform on the horizon</li><li>Sector positivity via Partnerships Week</li></ul><p><br></p><h2>Links mentioned</h2><ul><li><a href=\"https://www.theisba.org.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ISBA Website</a></li><li><a href=\"https://www.isc.co.uk/\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">ISC Website</a></li><li><a href=\"https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\" target=\"_blank\">Partnerships Booklet</a></li></ul><p><br></p>","author_name":"ISBA"}