Demand drops for places at quarter of girls' private schools

My Account
Logout

Create an Evening Standard Account

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Welcome! Sign in here

Use your social network

Save time by using your existing account to sign in to Evening Standard

We'll never share your information or post anything to your account without your permission

Forgot your password ?

Registration

* indicates fields that are mandatory

Email *

Password *

Confirm Password *

First name *

Surname *

Postcode *

Country *

Mobile phone number

Username *

Gender *

Year of birth *

When you sign up...

You will have access to all our online competitions, discounted offers and can post comments on our site.

You will also receive The Weekender newsletter sent every Thursday - it’s full of fantastic offers and ideas for the weekend. You can update your email preferences in your account page when you log in.

Other newsletters and emails

Homes & Property Newsletter - Yes I want to receive the weekly email with all the latest news on property in the capital

Occasionally we would also like to send you relevant emails detailing specific offers either from ourselves or carefully selected partners. If you would prefer not to receive these then please tick the appropriate boxes below. We will never pass on your details.

I do not want to receive additional offers and information from the Evening Standard

I do not want to receive additional offers and information sent by Evening Standard on behalf of carefully selected partners

Terms and Conditions

* I have read, understood and agree to be bound by the terms and conditions of Evening Standard

Registration

Mail Sent for Registration Confirmation.

A confirmation email has been sent. Please activate your account by clicking on the activation link sent in your mail box.

A survey of 117 schools found 26 per cent of those admitting girls aged 11 recorded a decrease in the number of parents taking up places and paying a deposit.

Analysts said headteachers should be worried as demand for private schools is likely to fall further.

The Girls' Schools Association, which conducted the survey, said an independent, single-sex education remained as attractive as ever, with 42 per cent of schools reporting an increase in acceptances this year.

But Sue Fieldman, regional editor of the Good Schools Guide, said even parents who have paid a deposit, which can be as much as £1,000, were not certain to turn up in September. "If I was head of one of these schools I would be seriously worried because there is worse to come before things get better. "

Sheila Cooper, executive director of the GSA, said: "Our schools are aware of the financial sacrifices tmany parents are making, and are doing what they can to keep their fees affordable."