Page 5 - Malvern Times - October 2018

MALVERN TIMES PAGE 5
HMC - Manchester
Last week, I attended the HMC (Headmasters and Headmistresses) Conference in Manchester where, inter alia, I received a copy of the newly published Oxford Economics Research Report entitled ‘The Impact of Independent Schools on the UK Economy’. The key findings demonstrating the independent education sector’s significant value to the national economy include:
• Independent Schools in the UK save the taxpayer £3.5bn every year by providing places for pupils who could otherwise be expected to take up a place in the state-funded sector.
Remembrance Sunday
With Remembrance Sunday beckoning on 11 November, I wanted to invite parents warmly to be part of our day at Malvern. We remember those of all nations who died in the service of their country and pray for peace. This is a whole school event and all pupils are expected to attend.
You will be aware that there is a limit on the number of people whom we are able to seat in the Chapel at any one time because of fire regulations and I would therefore ask you to attend the service that is appropriate to your child’s year group. Please see the times below.
Lieutenant Colonel Henry Bettinson, OM, will give the address at both of our Services and the day will run as follows:
• 09:45 – 10:40am: First Service. This is for Lower School pupils (ie FY, Remove and Hundred) and their parents, Lower School tutors and OMs.
• 10:50 – 11:10am: Wreath laying ceremony at St George for all pupils, parents, staff and OMs.
• 11:15 – 12:15pm: Second Service. This is for Sixth Form, parents of Sixth Form pupils, Sixth Form tutors and OMs.
After each of the Services, there will be refreshments served in the Gryphon Room. As we all know, it will be exactly a century after the end of the First World War and so I trust that there will be a poignancy about this particular event.
May I wish you all a happy half-term with your sons and daughters.
• The contribution of all independent schools to the UK GDP totalled £13.7 billion. This supported 303,000 jobs and generated £4.12bn in tax revenues.
• Independent Schools also support economic growth by attracting international pupils and by promoting subjects which are strategically important for the UK skills base.
At a time when the independent sector receives constant criticism in the press, it is sanguine to know of the massive impact it makes on the entire economy of the country in terms of providing jobs, supporting businesses and contributing to the welfare of a number of people in a variety of different ways.
Antony Clark | Headmaster