Scottish regulator confirms charitable status of two Plymouth Brethren-affiliated schools

The Office of the Scottish Charity Regulator (OSCR) has confirmed the charitable status of two schools affiliated with the Plymouth Brethren Christian Church (PBCC). The Oakwood Education Trust, operating as Focus School – Laurieston Campus in Falkirk, and the Springvale Education Trust, running Focus School – Millden School in Aberdeenshire, have maintained their charitable status since 1996 and 2002, respectively.

As part of a broader review of 39 fee-charging schools, the OSCR assessed the PBCC-affiliated institutions. The review, initiated in September 2012, is nearly complete, with only two schools remaining under evaluation. The OSCR examined the PBCC’s disciplinary practices, including excommunication and “shrinking.” These practices, which involve expelling members from the community or isolating them, were noted as last resorts and not applied to children under 17. The reports indicate that even if a child’s relatives were subject to such procedures, the child was still welcome at the school.

The schools emphasize that being a child of the Brethren is not a requirement for attendance. Instead, adherence to the school’s ethos and guiding principles is considered more important. However, the reports note that neither school has received a formal application from non-PBCC children. The OSCR found that the schools’ trustees emphasized inclusivity, allowing non-Brethren children to attend.

Fees at the two schools are presented as non-compulsory contributions, which are lower than those of many private schools. This factor, along with the schools’ adherence to charitable principles, contributed to the OSCR’s decision to confirm their charitable status. The review process highlights the OSCR’s ongoing efforts to ensure transparency and compliance among private educational institutions in Scotland.

Source: Read the original report