INDEPENDENT schools in Oxfordshire have moved to calm fears about the implications of new rules to boost places for children from poorer background.

Fears that private schools could face legal action to force them to offer more free places were sparked by the publication of Charity Commission draft guidance this week.

There were warnings that the cost could be passed on to parents, pricing many out of private education through higher fees, with some schools even being forced to close.

There have also been fears that schools failing to meet the new regulations could see their bank accounts frozen, trustees suspended, buildings seized or even closed down.

But independent schools in Oxfordshire believed they are already well ahead with schemes to widen access.

Ian Caws, the bursar of The Dragon School, in North Oxford, said: "Dragon is already doing much of what the Charity Commission wants other schools to do. We already have a busary scheme for 25 pupils. We have fantastic support from voluntary contributions. So costs for the programme will not have to be passed on to parents."

The Master of Magdalen College School, Dr Tim Hands, said: "There is a lot of speculation. It is in the interest of some to make the speculation as dramatic as possible. But I am relaxed about it."