Unlocking Revenue Potential: How Independent Schools Can Maximise Income by Hiring Out Their Facilities

As of January 2025, independent schools across the UK will be subject to a 20% tax, following the loss of business rate relief they’ve previously benefited from. For many schools, this policy shift presents a significant financial challenge. The impact is already being felt, with a 2.7% drop in enrolment over the past year, and projections from the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggesting further declines of up to 7% in the coming years. With experts recommending schools brace for a potential 25% drop in student intake by 2030, there’s a pressing need to identify new revenue streams.

Renting out your school's facilities can offer a valuable revenue stream to help mitigate the financial pressures caused by declining enrolment and the new tax changes. Here’s why this approach is worth considering:

1. Maximise Existing Resources
Many independent schools possess exceptional facilities—whether it’s a state-of-the-art sports hall, theatre, swimming pool, or conference space. These assets, while invaluable to students, are often underutilised during evenings, weekends, and school holidays. By hiring them out, schools can generate significant income from spaces that would otherwise sit unused.

2. Enhance Community Engagement
Renting out your school’s facilities is not just about financial gain; it also fosters stronger community relationships. By offering your school as a space for local events or activities, you’ll increase your school’s visibility and reputation in the area. This community engagement can help position your school as a hub of activity, making it more attractive to prospective parents and students.

3. Flexibility in Pricing and Availability
Unlike larger commercial venues, schools have the flexibility to tailor their pricing structures and availability to meet local needs. This gives you the opportunity to adjust rates to ensure steady demand and adapt your offers according to your school’s specific needs and schedules.

4. Tailored Support from Vivify Venues
At Vivify Venues, we offer two tailored solutions to help you manage your school’s lettings. With Vivify Connect, you can self-manage bookings using our all-in-one platform, providing 24/7 access to oversee bookings, invoicing, and reporting, while allowing hirers to book directly via your website. For schools seeking a hands-off approach, our Fully Managed Service takes care of everything—from staff recruitment and on-site management to marketing and safeguarding—ensuring your facilities generate income without adding to your workload. Both options are designed to maximise your venue’s potential with full support from our expert team.

5. A Dependable Solution for Future Stability
By opening your school to external hires, you create a reliable, ongoing income stream that can help to future-proof your institution. In a time when schools are being advised to budget for reduced enrolment, this extra revenue can be the key to maintaining—and even enhancing—your school’s facilities and services without relying solely on tuition fees.

Now is the Time to Act

The economic changes on the horizon may be daunting, but they also provide an opportunity for innovation. By hiring out your facilities, you can generate vital income while also strengthening your connection with the local community. Vivify Venues is here to help you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth transition to this new model of revenue generation.

Let us support you in navigating these changes and securing a stable financial future for your school.

To learn more about how we can help, get in touch with Vivify Venues today and take the first step towards unlocking the full potential of your school’s facilities.