ISC Daily News Summary 8 July 2024

Parents are being pushed to their financial limits to absorb the cost of Labour's VAT policy, The Telegraph reports. Jeremy, a consultant, tells the paper his "biggest worry" is not being able to afford his daughter's school fees, adding: "If I’m struggling as a consultant of over 20 years then how on earth will anyone else in a similar position be able to do it?" Parents Melissa and Chris share their experience of working multiple jobs to afford independent school fees and their fears "now we’re dealing with this unexpected and very high increase". Mother-of-two Lisa, whose daughters are both on choral bursaries and scholarships to independent schools, says she believes the policy is "massively unfair", given the family have "effectively released two places for other children" at their outstanding but oversubscribed local comprehensive school. Are you concerned about independent school fees under Labour's tax plans? The Telegraph invites readers to email their comments to money@telegraph.co.uk. By Tom Haynes and Pieter Snepvangers.

Four families talk to The Sunday Times about their reasons for choosing an independent school and fears over Labour's tax plans. Describing the positive impact an independent education has had on his child, Ian tells the paper: "I will do whatever I can to keep [my son] in private school." Andrew says that, while he is not opposed to the policy in principle, he is frustrated by the lack of clarity around the plans and how the charges will be put into effect. Charlotte, the self-employed mother of a child with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), explains that her son is "much happier and [more] relaxed" at his new independent school and shares her concerns over how she will cover increasing fees if the tax is added. Have you made any changes to your finances because you are worried about new government policy? The Sunday Times asks readers to contact them via the form at the bottom of the page. By Ali Hussain.

The Times provides a summary of each new cabinet minister's brief as well as Labour's key policy areas, with education secretary Bridget Phillipson charged with bringing in Labour's VAT policy for independent school fees. By Chris Smyth, Geraldine Scott and Matt Dathan. Additional reporting by Nicola Woolcock.

Writing in Schools Week, Sutton Trust CEO Nick Harrison says the school background of the new cabinet represents a stride forward in socio-economic representation, but argues there is still work to be done to ensure true representation in parliament. The proportion of cabinet members who were educated at comprehensive schools is 92 per cent, while the national average among the UK population is 88 per cent. He writes that "social diversity is key to ensuring we make the most of the talents of people from all backgrounds more widely".

Tes has selected seven of Labour's key proposals and asked a variety of experts for their thoughts on if and when the policies could be put into practice. Sir Keir Starmer's plan to end the tax exemption for independent schools is among the policies considered, which also include Ofsted report cards and a full curriculum review. In today's Tes Daily newsletter, editor Jon Severs shares his view on how Bridget Phillipson will approach her new role. He writes: "The sector should be hopeful, but it needs to be patient... It needs to encourage the long-term thinking it so badly needs. Because education needs the right responses to the challenges it faces, not the quickest."

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, head of Stafford Grammar School Nick Pietrek urges independent and state schools to work together "with the shared ambition of ensuring our children receive the best start to life". On Labour's VAT policy, Mr Pietrek warns that "recrimination will serve no one any benefit", adding: "If there are ways that we can work with the Labour government to help them realise their ambitions we will do everything we can."