To ask the Secretary of State for Children, Schools and Families what effect the implementation of Tier 4 of the points-based system for immigration has had on applications from abroad to UK independent schools. (278676)

I have been asked to reply.

The Home Office Data Systems records the number of applications made by child students applying under the points-based system, but it does not record the number of those studying at UK independent schools. This information could be obtained only by manually cross-checking a large number of individual case files, which could be completed only at disproportionate cost.

It is therefore not possible to generate a report to compare the number of applicants coming to study at UK independent schools, before or after the introduction of Tier 4. It should also be borne in mind that Tier 4 was introduced on 31 March, and its impact will not have settled down yet.