The headmaster of a leading independent school has written to his staff urging them to switch out the lights when possible, and to trim their spending in all areas, so that fees can be kept as low as possible in the face of the recession.

The letter from Richard Cairns, head of Brighton College, says that although few schools in England are better equipped to survive whatever economic troubles, the school would not be “immune” to the recession.

He suggested that the school may benefit by taking in pupils from other independent schools, which may be forced to close or merge, as parents who can no longer afford fees withdraw their children.

When Britain last plunged into recession in 1991, pupil numbers in private schools fell by 1,200 within 12 months and by a further 9,300 over the next six years.

“Some consolidation in the market is inevitable as smaller schools merge or close. Inevitably, larger schools like Brighton College will benefit from this in the medium to long term,” Mr Cairns said.

His comments followed a warning issued earlier this week by David Lyscom, head of the Independent Schools Council, that private schools would need to cut costs through measures such as improving energy efficiency and reducing food waste.

Annual fees at Brighton College range from £18,500 for day pupils to £25,500 for boarders.

While many parents plan ahead and set up school fee savings plans or accounts (often bolstered by grandparental contributions and/or inheritances), a significant proportion pay the fees direct from their income and may not be in a position to continue with payments as the recession deepens.

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