Conservative MP Esther McVey has urged ministers to U-turn on the "misguided" tax policy in light of system failures, telling the Daily Express: "It is shameful that they are rushing it through without schools even being able to register for a VAT number." On their own experience of trying to register, a spokesperson for The King’s School in Macclesfield said: "Our attempt since [30 October] to apply for a VAT registration number using their online application process has been unsuccessful as it did not cater for our type of organisation." They added: "We have now resorted to applying using a manual, paper-based application form. This is currently underway, but has taken longer than anticipated resulting in the school issuing fee invoices for next term that won’t itemise the VAT separately. Without a VAT number to quote, we are unable to identify the VAT on the fee invoices, which we are worried may be confusing for parents." Ms McVey's concerns, which had been raised in the House of Commons earlier this week, have prompted education secretary Bridget Phillipson to pledge to address the issue. By Lottie O'Brien. 

In a House of Commons written question, Conservative MP and Opposition Assistant Whip Ben Obese-Jecty asked the defence secretary what steps he plans to take to monitor the potential impact of the VAT on fees policy on service families in receipt of the Continuity of Education Allowance. Responding, Minister for Veterans and People Al Carns said: "The single Services will monitor the impact on retention in Service for those claiming Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) following the introduction of VAT on independent school fees. The Pay and Allowances Casework and Complaints Cell will monitor the impact on Service personnel changing Schools and withdrawing from CEA."

In a separate question in the House of Commons, Conservative MP and Shadow Minister for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities Kevin Hollinrake asked the chancellor whether the revenue generated by the increase in business rates for independent schools from 2025-26 onwards will be (a) kept in full by local government, (b) shared between central and local government through business rate retention or (c) retained by central government. Responding, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: "At Autumn Budget 2024, the Government reconfirmed that it is removing private schools’ eligibility for charitable rate relief under business rates in England from April 2025. This intervention will raise around £140 million per year. Business rates retention means that local authorities retain a proportion of all business rates revenue. As set out in published policy costings for Autumn Budget 2024, the increase in rates receipts due to the reduction in charitable rate relief for private schools will be shared between central and local government." Hansard.

The number of tribunal appeals over local authority refusals to provide special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) support for children has risen by 55 per cent in a year, with the majority finding in favour of families, Schools Week reports. Data published by the Ministry of Justice yesterday shows that 21,000 registered SEND appeals were recorded in the 2023-24 academic year, up from less than 14,000 the year before, the biggest rise since current records began in 2017. By Freddie Whittaker. 

Concerns are growing that the expertise of special schools may be overlooked amid the government's drive for greater inclusion, with headteachers urging collaboration to support mainstream schools in meeting the complex needs of pupils with SEND. Tes examines the issue, with experts calling for increased government funding to foster partnerships, training, and resource sharing, ensuring the specialist sector’s expertise supports inclusive practices. By John Roberts.

The number of home-schooled children in England rose by 21 per cent in the past year, according to the latest government figures. As of autumn 2024, local authorities reported 111,700 children in elective home education, up from an estimated 92,000 in the previous autumn term, representing a 21.4 per cent increase. The most common reasons families gave for choosing home education included mental health concerns, philosophical preferences, and lifestyle considerations. By Georgia Lambert, The Times.

Thomas Jones Primary School in Kensington and Chelsea has been named the most successful school in England, achieving the highest average score in reading, writing, and maths with 116.3 out of 120, according to new data analysed by The Telegraph. The article is accompanied by an interactive table of primary school placings. By Ben Butcher and Connor James Ibbetson.

The Daily News Summary will be taking a break over the festive period, with today's DNS (13 December) being the last of 2024. Normal service will resume in January. From everyone at the Independent Schools Council (ISC), we would like to thank school leaders, teachers and support staff for your valuable work and dedication throughout the year. We wish you all a very merry Christmas and a happy New Year.

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