Brightstar launches advisory firm to tackle soaring private school fees

The Brightstar Group is launching a new advisory service aimed at helping parents manage the escalating cost of private education.

The School Fees Company will provide regulated financial advice and tailored solutions for families facing mounting pressure from rising fees and the addition of VAT.

The initiative was unveiled this morning by Brightstar’s chief executive Rob Jupp (main picture) at its Specialist Lending Expo in Stratford, London.

AFFORDABILITY CONCERNS

The service comes amid growing concern over the affordability of private schooling. According to the Independent Schools Council, the average annual fee rose to more than £22,000 in January 2025, representing a 50% increase over the past decade.

The application of VAT has added a further 20% to the financial burden.

Advisers at The School Fees Company will offer a range of funding options, including remortgages, further advances, second charge loans and equity release.

Among the tools available are second charge products with drawdown facilities, allowing parents to access equity gradually rather than as a lump sum – a structure designed to reduce interest costs and provide flexibility when planning for multi-year school commitments.

The official launch will take place on October 17 at the National Schools Rugby Festival at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich.

The creation of The School Fees Company reflects wider concerns that the steep rise in education costs could force families to withdraw from the independent sector.

With many state schools already oversubscribed, the shift would add further pressure to the maintained system.

UNCERTAIN FUTURE

Rob Jupp, CEO of The Brightstar Group, said: “Tens of thousands of children now face an uncertain future for their education. Hard working families who sacrifice so much to prioritise their children’s education need support and clear options.”

Perry Glading, Chair of Governors at St Joseph’s College, added: “We were delighted to support Rob and his team throughout the process of bringing The School Fees Company to market.

“There’s never been a more important time to give parents the tools and information to be able to look at the whole range of options when it comes to paying independent school fees.

“It’s great that the launch event will be at our internationally renowned National Schools Rugby Festival, which is the largest such event in the country.”