<p><strong>Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC</strong> joins us this week to unpack the latest pressures on the independent sector—from pupil number drops and VAT concerns to Autumn Budget implications and staffing risks.</p><p>We touch on headline data, including a 3.6% fall in pupil numbers, and explore wider financial signals like rising staff costs and a new cap on pension-related NI relief.</p><p>Also covered: changes to unfair dismissal law, SEND funding reform, and how schools are using partnerships to stay resilient in challenging conditions.</p><p><br></p><h2> Key Points</h2><ul><li>3.6% pupil drop in 2024–25</li><li>VAT impact on fees and demand</li><li>Budget 2025: rising NLW, NI relief cap</li><li>Unfair dismissal: 6-month protection from 2026</li><li>SEND reform on the horizon</li><li>Sector positivity via Partnerships Week</li></ul><p><br></p><h2>Links mentioned</h2><ul><li><a href="https://www.theisba.org.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ISBA Website</a></li><li><a href="https://www.isc.co.uk/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ISC Website</a></li><li><a href="https://publuu.com/flip-book/706698/2205912" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Partnerships Booklet</a></li></ul><p><br></p><p>Email: <strong>[email protected]</strong> – we’d love to hear from you. </p><br><p>The Bursarcast is produced by RAFIKI STUDIO</p><p>www.rafikistudio.com</p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='https://acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a> for more information.</p>