The Chair of the Charity Commission praised Christ College Brecon in a speech to a gathering of independent school heads last week. Dame Suzi Leather singled out Christ College Brecon, and its head, Emma Taylor for its enthusiasm, imagination and passion, commending the way that the school operates within the local community.

Dame Suzi Leather added that Christ College was “a wonderful example of what a creative and inclusive approach can achieve.” She said “It chimes well with the increasing importance social commentators and public policy makers of all political hues are giving to investing in our communities. The activities of this Brecon school chimes with the times.”

Head of Christ College, Emma Taylor said: “It is incredibly satisfying that Christ College has been recognised as an example to other independent schools. Our approach has always been to work actively within the community to provide support to local schools, community groups and other organisations. To be singled-out among all UK independent schools for our work within the community makes me feel very proud indeed.”

Dame Suzi Leather’s speech to the Independent School Council’s conference follows the Charity Commission’s publication of it final general guidance on public benefit during January 2008. A draft sub-sector guidance on public benefit for fee-charging charities was published on Wednesday 12 March signalling the start of a three-month consultation period during which independent schools can comment.