The Labour Party's plan to impose VAT on independent school fees is “crazy” and would drive more children into the state sector, Penny Mordaunt warned yesterday. During a seven-party debate, the leader of the House of Commons said Labour's tax proposal “doesn’t serve anyone” and is “the kind of dogma we need to keep out of the public sector”. Deputy Labour leader Angela Rayner defended the tax policy, suggesting independent schools try to reduce its impact on the state sector by absorbing costs. Earlier in the day, Bridget Phillipson, Labour’s shadow education secretary, had told Sky News that independent schools “should frankly cut their cloth” and consider how they managed their budgets. The Telegraph.

FT Adviser features an extensive article on Labour's proposed tax policy and the likely effect on families with children at independent schools. Chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson has warned that the plans would have a financial impact on schools in both the independent and state sectors. Ms Robinson is quoted, saying: “We remain concerned that Labour’s tax policy will not raise the money it has promised our state colleagues. It risks leaving them underfunded and oversubscribed." The article looks in detail at the potential consequences of the policy, concluding: "Labour has published its manifesto but it includes no additional detail on its plan for the 20 per cent VAT on private school fees. The devil will indeed be in the detail." Reference is made to figures from the ISC. By Ima Jackson-Obot.

Lisa Kerr, the principal of Gordonstoun, has warned that Labour's tax plans pose “an existential threat” for many in the sector and the policy shows a “lack of understanding” about independent schools. Speaking at an education conference yesterday, Ms Kerr called for Labour to take a “deep look” at the potential impact of its VAT policy, warning that it could have “unintended consequences” for many independent schools. She noted the economic benefit of independent schools in Scotland, which "add half a billion pounds to the Scottish economy". A number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. In a separate item, which appears half-way down the page, Scottish Labour leader Anas Sarwar explains why he has endorsed the VAT policy. Mike Martin, rector of Hutchesons’ Grammar School, told the paper Labour's plans would “lead to fewer families being able to educate their children” at the school and add pressure to local authorities. By Elizabeth Ivens and Poppy Wood, The Telegraph.

In an interview with LBC, shadow health secretary Wes Streeting has defended his party's pledge to tax school fees, adding that he "fundamentally reject[s]" the idea that there would be an influx of pupils displaced into the state sector as a result of the policy. By Dave Burke, The Mirror.

In a letter to The Times, a reader notes that Labour's manifesto states "there will be no increase in taxes for working people". Observing that many families at independent schools "make considerable sacrifices" and "have also already contributed to state school costs through their taxes, so in effect are paying twice", the reader concludes by asking: "Why, then, is VAT on school fees not considered to be a tax on working people, which [Sir Keir Starmer] has publicly stated will not take place?" The letter can be found near the top of the page.

The number of children and young people in England who require support for special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) has increased significantly, according to new data from the Department for Education (DfE). Local authorities issued 84,400 education, health and care plans (EHCPs) last year, representing a 26 per cent increase compared with 2022. Nearly one in 19 children in England aged between five and 15 now have an EHCP. By Richard Adams, The Guardian. 

More than a third of teachers report their school now has an emotional literacy support assistant (ELSA), according to a poll carried out by Teacher Tapp. The findings show the proportion of teachers who said their school has an ELSA has increased from around a quarter (26 per cent) to a third (34 per cent) in just two years. Heads' leaders have warned that schools "can't afford to wait" for pupils to get support from backlogged health and social services. By Matilda Martin, Tes.

With the General Election less than three weeks away, Kristina Lewis, deputy head (academic) at Blackheath High School GDST, explains the important role mock elections can play in boosting pupils’ civic participation – particularly among girls, who are underrepresented on the world stage.

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