Brightstar launches new advisory service for private school fees

The Brightstar Group has announced plans to launch The School Fees Company, a new advisory service designed to help parents manage the rising costs of private education with regulated financial advice.

The Group’s CEO, Rob Jupp, confirmed the business launch this morning at the Specialist Lending Expo in London.  

The bespoke advice service will offer practical financial solutions for parents concerned about covering private school fees, particularly in light of rising costs and the application of VAT. 

In January 2025, the average annual private school fee rose to over £22,000, according to the Independent Schools Council, which represents a 50% increase over the past decade. 

Parents will be able to explore a range of funding tools including remortgage, further advance, second charge mortgages and equity release. In some cases, second charge products with drawdown facilities allow parents to release equity gradually, rather than taking a lump sum at the outset, which can reduce interest costs and provide flexibility when planning for multi-year school fees.

The official company launch will follow on the 17th October at the National Schools Rugby Festival, at St Joseph’s College, Ipswich. 

Rob Jupp, CEO of The Brightstar Group, said: “Tens of thousands of children now face an uncertain future for their education. Hard working families who sacrifice so much to prioritise their children’s education need support and clear options.”

Perry Glading, chair of governors at St Joseph’s College, commented: “We were delighted to support Rob and his team throughout the process of bringing The School Fees Company to market. There’s never been a more important time to give parents the tools and information to be able to look at the whole range of options when it comes to paying independent school fees."