The Telegraph understands Labour will prevent parents paying independent school fees before its VAT policy comes into effect. Senior Labour sources have told the paper that the party will announce anti-forestalling laws to prevent pre-payments on school fees if it comes to power on 4 July. The legislation would mean the party could recoup VAT on school fees paid in advance for any education provided after the tax comes into force, so parents paying school fees after a Labour government’s first budget for the academic year 2025-26 or beyond would likely still be subject to the levy. By Poppy Wood.

iNews reports that Labour is considering whether to include its pledge to impose VAT on independent school fees in the King's Speech, less than three weeks away, if the party wins the General Election. The policy does not require a separate piece of legislation to be implemented, meaning it would not be included in a Labour government’s first list of bills read out by King Charles on 17 July. One party insider told the paper that work on which bills will be in the King’s Speech is now effectively complete, although the text of the address has not been written. By Hugo Gye.  

The Conservative Party has claimed that Labour’s tax policy would push an estimated 40,000 independent school pupils into state schools. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has denied the assertion, pointing to research by the Institute for Fiscal Studies suggesting it is unlikely that state school class sizes will swell as a result of the plans. By Sophie Wingate, The Independent.

In an interview with Sky News, Sir Keir repeated his view that there is “no evidence” to show that schools will have to close as a result of his party’s tax changes, claiming that an “element” of the backlash to the VAT plans is down to the fact that a number of prominent political figures have themselves been independently educated. By Daniel Martin, The Telegraph.

During a phone-in on BBC Radio 5 Live earlier this morning, presenter Nicky Campbell asked the Labour leader whether Britain would be a better and more equal society without independent schools. Sir Keir said he doesn't want to "abolish private schools" but wants state schools to be able to provide the same opportunities as independent schools. He gave the example of Camden, his own constituency, where the state primary schools are "really good and parents who may have considered putting their children into private schools no longer feel they need to". Edited by Emily McGarvey. The discussion is timestamped at 09:27.

The Telegraph considers how employers could help parents who are facing rising school fees. The Continuity of Education Allowance, which provides financial support for military service personnel, is outlined. An accompanying item (half-way down the page) explains Labour's tax plans and references figures from the Independent Schools Council (ISC). By Dan Cave.

David Tickner, headmaster at Newcastle School for Boys, writes in Chronicle Live arguing "a tax on children will be damaging to state and independent education alike". Urging Sir Keir Starmer and Bridget Phillipson to visit his school, and similar independent schools across the country, he warns "there is a real risk that a misunderstanding of what independent schools do, what they look like and who uses them will lead to a policy approach that has unintended consequences". Challenging stereotypes about independent schools, he highlights his school's partnerships, bursaries, and SEND provision. Mr Tickner concludes by reiterating the desire of independent school headteachers to "continue to meet the needs of our children, their families and our communities and to play our role in sustaining an excellent education for all children". He adds: "I hope that ambition will be shared by our next Government and delivered through policies informed by a genuine understanding of the valuable role played by independent schools in its fulfilment." 

Assistant director of PaJeS Raisel Freedman writes in The Jewish Chronicle calling for Labour to take independent faith schools into account in its tax policy. "For Jewish schools it is certainly problematic, and rather than breaking down barriers presents the very real danger of limiting opportunity", she warns. Outlining her concerns over the policy and suggesting alternative solutions, Ms Freedman cautions: "Should independent Jewish schools shut down as a result of Labour’s measures, there will be nowhere for the children to go. Opening new faith state schools for them to attend is also far from straightforward as this would require relinquishing of control over curriculum content and admissions which are key concerns."

Writing in The Guardian, columnist Simon Jenkins considers Labour's tax plans in an article that explores the wider context of the current education landscape. As an alternative to the party's plans, Mr Jenkins suggests the party should encourage more cross-sector partnerships. The former governor of an independent school, he cites examples of his own positive experiences of collaboration with state partners, "much to the benefit of both", while also highlighting the independent sector's support for pupils with SEND. In summary, he warns: "In truth, the victims of the new VAT will not be those who can afford it but the marginal families, the almost rich. Is the political game really worth the fiscal candle?"

Labour's independent school tax pledge "is one of the worst policies of all time", writes money editor Sam Brodbeck in an opinion piece for The Telegraph. He argues: "The policy is flawed in so many ways. Most simply, a tax on education just doesn’t feel right." 

Writing for The Conversation, professor of education and public policy at Durham University Stephen Gorard argues that while Labour's tax policy may put independent schools under financial pressure, potentially driving more pupils into state schools, it could enhance social cohesion through “reducing the segregation of students between schools according to wealth”. Despite his concerns about the policy’s impact on independent specialist schools and the capacity of state schools, Mr Gorard suggests Labour’s policy could positively influence societal equality and pupil achievement if implemented effectively. He concludes that if the policy is enacted “and the possible pitfalls are accounted for”, it could have a “positive impact on society”.

In an article for Independent School Management Plus, head of Bedales School Will Goldsmith calls on the next government to prioritise assessment and curriculum reform. As an alternative to current GCSEs, he writes in favour of "internally assessed, externally moderated courses which better prepare students for the challenges of A-level (or other qualifications). They would carve out extra time by removing the need for mock exams, teaching to the test and study leave, giving more time to expand the scope of the Key Stage 4 learning experience."

Head of Prior Park College Ben Horan has written to The Times calling for schools to be given clarity on how best to help children who may be questioning their gender identity. He argues that government guidance published last December "provided sensible strategies on how teachers should act, which put the safety and wellbeing of young people first", adding: "It is worrying that the shadow cabinet now appears divided on its support for this guidance." Mr Horan warns: "The online sphere is full of lesson plans from unregulated organisations pushing a dangerous view of gender identity." The letter can be found a quarter of the way down the page.

Older people are increasingly going back to school, and are now the only growing age group of new teachers, according to analysis by Standard Life. The pension provider found that 14 per cent of the UK’s 15 million retirees reversed their decision to quit work last year, with many looking for opportunities in a different field. The Telegraph talks to a number of individuals about their reasons for moving into teaching in later life. By Lizzie Cernik.

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