Experts from Blick Rothenberg have warned that Labour's VAT on fees policy is likely to most impact pupils with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), pushing them into state schools and placing more pressure on already stretched resources. Partners from the tax and advisory firm spoke to City AM about why the policy has been brought into effect and what it could mean for children with SEND. On the implications of the tax, VAT partner Gabby Donald warned: “The capacity of state schools to absorb SEND students priced out of private education by the addition of VAT on private school fees is at best extremely constrained, given the numbers of SEND students catered to in the private education sector.” Reference is made to the legal challenge being brought by the ISC. By Jack Mendel.
Two anonymous parents write in The Times in light of the news that some parents are reportedly "cheating" the system to secure spots for their children at top state schools, with some even lying about their address or religious affiliation. One shares how they temporarily moved to a flat closer to the desired school to ensure their daughters could attend, despite the ethical concerns, acknowledging that such actions were common due to the disparity in state school options. "I was not surprised to read that lying to get into a good state school has increased since VAT was added to independent school fees," one says. On the repercussions of cheating to secure a top state school place, they warn: "Please do not kid yourself that you can keep it a secret."
In a written question in the House of Commons, Reform UK MP Richard Tice asked the education secretary if she will take steps to support the independent education sector and encourage its expansion, both domestically and internationally. In response, Parliamentary Under-Secretary for the Department for Education Stephen Morgan said: "The department encourages private schools to be high quality and is seeking to further improve regulation of the sector through measures outlined in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill. Amongst other things, the bill seeks to ensure that all pupils receive both a safe and suitable education and to strengthen and improve the regulatory regime for private schools. Capacity to expand domestically, within individual school settings, is a matter for private schools themselves. Where they do wish to expand, the department seeks to effectively consider the required material change application. Measures in the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill will make these requirements clearer." Mr Morgan also outlined some of the ways that the Department for Business and Trade provides support for UK independent schools that wish to expand internationally, which includes involving them with inward delegations from overseas and other events. Hansard.
School absence rates have risen despite ministers promising to usher in a "new era for attendance". Figures published yesterday by the Department for Education (DfE) show the overall absence rate among pupils in England increased slightly to 6.9 per cent at the start of the spring term in January – up from 6.6 per cent at the same point last year. The DfE said the figures published on Thursday were driven by an “increase in unauthorised absence”, thought to be in part owing to parents extending their Christmas holidays. By Poppy Wood, The Telegraph.
Nearly two thirds of primary school headteachers believe the government’s free breakfast clubs scheme will not improve attendance, according to the findings of a Teacher Tapp poll that have been shared with Tes. The survey found that 64 per cent of primary school headteachers believe a free 30-minute breakfast club will not impact attendance, with similar views held by over half of senior leaders. By Cerys Turner.
Writing in Schools Week, John Edward praises independent-state school partnerships for their potential to benefit both sectors through shared resources, expertise, and opportunities. Mr Edward details the findings of Civitas' recently published report, The Commission on the Future for Independent Schools, which "outlines a vision for getting partnership right". He also cites the Independent Schools Council's 2024 census, which recorded over 9,000 partnership activities. On how to improve and further cross-sector partnerships, Mr Edward concludes: "Getting partnerships right is worthwhile, and it is possible to do it much better. Tightening the definition, normalising the reporting, and introducing a platform to share and find opportunities are three achievable and promising steps to deliver on that potential." John Edward is head of operations at the Scottish Council on Global Affairs and a former director of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS).
