There has been widespread coverage of the Independent Schools Council's (ISC) Census and Annual Report 2024, which has been published today.

With census data revealing that 111,154 pupils currently receive SEND support in independent schools, an increase of 7.5 per cent from 2023 and up 67 per cent on 10 years ago, the ISC has warned Labour that its plans to tax independent school fees risk “flooding” the state sector with requests for expensive support for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). Chief executive of the ISC Julie Robinson said Labour could be “sleepwalking into a SEND catastrophe” if even a fraction of these children moved to the state sector. Speaking to iNews, she added: “It’s accepted that SEND provision is already overstretched and independent schools are providing crucial capacity to cover those gaps at the moment." The paper has spoken to a number of SEND specialists who share the ISC's concerns and an accompanying item explains how Labour's plans could impact pupils with SEND who do not have a Education, Health and Care Plan (EHCP). By Connie Dimsdale.

The Times takes a closer look at the ISC's census findings, reporting that independent school fees have risen by eight per cent this year. The average day school fee is £18,060 — £22,000 in London — while boarding fees have increased by nine per cent to an average of almost £42,500. The article highlights how fees were set at a time when inflation was 8.7 per cent, and how schools have spent a lot on rising employer contributions to teacher pensions. The paper also reports a record £1.4 billion was spent on fee assistance last year. Chairman of the ISC Barnaby Lenon is quoted from the census report's foreword, saying independent education is entering a “watershed moment” and that "the effects of the latest policy threat are already being felt". A live poll asks readers whether VAT should be charged on fees (at the bottom of the page). By Nicola Woolcock. 

Julie Robinson was interviewed about the census findings by Felicity Hannah on BBC Radio 5 Live's Wake up to Money programme. Acknowledging the myriad of financial pressures facing families, Ms Robinson said the looming VAT issue is a "big concern" for prospective parents. Ms Robinson reiterated the ISC's concerns for children with SEND, saying: "We're worried about what [Labour's policy] would mean for over a hundred thousand students who attend ISC schools and receive special needs support." Concluding the interview, Ms Hannah asked whether we can expect to see more independent schools close their doors, to which Ms Robinson replied: "It's very hard to predict in any detail but I'm afraid so... it [Labour's policy] is going to really put a squeeze on the sector." (Listen from 00:31:00).

The Telegraph reports that Labour’s proposed tax plans may have already cost the taxpayer approximately £22 million, after the ISC's census data showed that almost 3,000 fewer pupils started at independent schools this academic year compared to a year ago. The paper states that the vast majority will have gone to state schools instead, where the average price of educating one pupil for a year is £7,460 a year (according to government data). As reported earlier this week, the ISC's figures also show a 0.1 per cent reduction in the overall number of pupils at independent school, the first fall since 2013, excluding the pandemic. Speaking to The Telegraph, Julie Robinson explained that independent schools save the taxpayer nearly £4.5 billion per year by educating students who would otherwise take up a place in the state sector. Silas Edmonds, headmaster of Ewell Castle School, is also quoted in the article, outlining parental concerns about the "VAT hit". A table showing independent school fees for the 2023-24 academic year accompanies the piece (half-way down the page). By Mattie Brignal and Henry Bodkin.

News of the ISC's annual census has also been covered by Independent School Management Plus, which includes a summary of the key census findings (below half-way). Julie Robinson is quoted, saying: “Independent schools continue to work hard to make fees affordable for families choosing independent education for their children."

Ms Robinson is also quoted in an article by Eleanor Busby for The Independent and Stephanie Bridger-Linning for Spear's. A wealth management expert is quoted in personal finance reporter Rory Poulter's report in The Express, warning that "a VAT shock at 20 percent could prompt a mini-exodus from private schools".

Labour has declined to commit to keeping the new relationships, sex and health education (RSHE) guidance for schools. During an interview with The Telegraph in which she was asked for an initial reaction to the guidance and whether her party would keep it, shadow education secretary Bridget Phillipson said she wants to "look carefully" at what ministers are setting out. By Ben Riley-Smith, The Telegraph.

Following the launch of the government's consultation on RSHE, education policy specialist Ben Gadsby writes in Schools Week warning that "some element of grey is inevitable". He says: "Regardless of a wider political debate (and the guidance), schools will still have trans children, trans parents and trans staff. No government can magic away the facts on the ground – or the discussions in the playground."

Increasing numbers of pupils are missing more than half of school, according to new absence figures. While overall attendance has improved, two per cent of pupils in England were severely absent in the autumn term of this academic year, up from 1.7 per cent in 2022 and 0.9 per cent before the Covid pandemic. By Nicola Woolock, The Times.

Members of the Commons Education Select Committee have said teachers' workloads are being increasingly stretched by their pupils' mental health and family difficulties. MPs on the committee are calling for the government to support better provision inside and outside schools. By Richard Adams, The Guardian. 

A BMJ study has found that just one hour of social media a day doubles a young person’s chance of smoking or vaping. Individuals using social media sites for between one and three hours a day were 92 per cent more likely to vape than those who did not use it. By Michael Searles, The Telegraph.

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