Private Schools

The latest news, analysis and thought leadership for the independent schools sector, including taxes and funding, state-private partnerships, pupil wellbeing and more

Wednesday

15th Jan 2025

How many private school pupils have joined Edinburgh state schools?
It was predicted that the introduction of VAT on private school fees would have a disproportionate impact on the capital’s schools – we reveal the latest figures
Skyline of Edinburgh
Need to know: Scottish private schools and VAT
We look at the potential implications in Scotland of the Labour government’s plan to impose VAT on independent school fees
Need to know: Scottish private schools and VAT

Saturday

21st Dec 2024

Legal claim against private school VAT hits High Court
Families are seeking to take the government to the High Court over 20 per cent tax on private school fees, supported by the Independent Schools Council
Another legal challenge made to VAT on independent schools policy

Thursday

21st Nov 2024

Headship turnover may be ‘accelerated’ by VAT on private school fees
Independent schools could also ‘struggle’ with teacher pay as a result of the tax, sector leaders tell the Schools and Academies Show
Revolving door
Private schools lose GCSE results edge after adjusting for students’ background
Researchers say state school students performed better in English, maths and science but private schools still perform better in creative arts subjects
Private schools lose their GCSE results edge once pupils' socio economic status is taken into account.

Monday

18th Nov 2024

Private school VAT could have ‘seismic impact’ on life chances
Girls’ Schools Association president says Labour’s ‘rushed’ policy is forcing ‘stark and unfair’ choices on parents
Private school leaders warn VAT on fees could have ‘seismic impact’ on life chances

Thursday

7th Nov 2024

Nearly a third of students given more time to complete exams
School leaders say they need help as rising numbers of students ask for special arrangements to sit GCSEs and A levels
Nearly a third of students given more time to complete exams

Wednesday

6th Nov 2024

VAT on private school fees: everything you need to know
Labour will add tax to fees and remove schools’ charitable business rate relief, but what impact will it have on the sector?
Smashed calculator

Thursday

31st Oct 2024

Private schools launch legal action over VAT on fees
The Independent Schools Council is taking legal action against the government after the tax policy on fees was confirmed in yesterday’s Budget
Statue holding scales
Private school fees set to rise by 10% after VAT added
The Treasury also estimates that 3,000 pupils will move into the state sector before the end of the 2024-25 academic year
Trigger machine

Wednesday

30th Oct 2024

Private schools ‘to lose 6% of pupils under Labour VAT rule’
Independent forecast released today also predicts private schools will pass on two-thirds of VAT costs to parents
Private schools

Wednesday

23rd Oct 2024

Why VAT rules may drive growth in international private schools
A director at Wellington College International reflects on how private schools have expanded overseas to great effect over the last decade – and the growth that lies ahead
fisherman casting net in Thailand