A new report has been published by Aberdeen and Grampian Chamber which examines the contribution that Robert Gordon's College makes to the city and wider region through employment, expenditure in the local supply chain, public benefit, outreach, and public sector savings.
The report highlights that Robert Gordon’s College provides a GVA contribution of £6.14m annually to the North-east economy with the following key points:
Robert Gordon’s College is a registered charity with significant impact locally and regionally.
The equivalent cost of educational provision across the public sector for RGC’s c 1,500 pupils would be £10.6m per year.
1 in 7 RGC pupils are supported by the bursary programme with 39% reaching the most highly deprived areas of the region.
As a large city centre employer, Robert Gordon’s College directly employs 388 staff.
99% of RGC salary expenditure is within the North East region.
35% of RGC’s annual expenditure is with suppliers in Aberdeen City and Aberdeenshire.
As a large school community with campuses in the city centre and at Countesswells, additional benefits are being realised through pupil and parent expenditure due to their attendance at RGC.
Robin Macpherson, Head of College, said: "This report highlights just how much value Robert Gordon’s College adds to the local economy, and how integral we are to businesses across the region.
"Our financial sustainability as a school is dependent on Aberdeen’s future prosperity, so we do everything we can to work with multiple local stakeholders to support economic growth.
"Robert Gordon’s vision, set out in 1729, was to create a school that supported the local community and we are proud that our public benefit footprint today continues to fulfil that founding purpose."
Russell Borthwick, Chief Executive of Aberdeen & Grampian Chamber of Commerce, added: "This report demonstrates the force for good that independent schools are in their communities across the UK.
"Not just in terms of providing excellent education for our young people but in the direct and positive impact they have on their places. Robert Gordon’s College provides employment for almost 400 people and contributes over £6m annually to the regional economy.
"Additionally, by educating their 1,500+ pupils outside of the state system, this provides an effective cost saving to our local authorities of over £10m every year.
"Robert Gordon’s is an active player in Aberdeen life, bringing footfall and vibrancy to our city centre, supporting local good causes and much more and the Chamber is proud to have them as one of our partners."