The Sunday Times explores the impact of Labour's tax plans on schools and families across Scotland, with a particular focus on Edinburgh. Some parents in the country are reportedly making significant sacrifices, such as downsizing their homes, to afford fee rises. A number of parents share their concerns over the additional financial burden of VAT, which risks further limiting accessibility and potentially threatening the viability of many independent schools. Chief executive of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) Lorraine Davidson is quoted, saying: “We understand the anxiety and frustration of parents whose children are being impacted by this flawed legislation." By Mark McLaughlin.

The Scotsman outlines concerns over the tax policy's long-term impact on state school planning, property markets, and the availability of educational options in Scotland. Speaking to the paper, SCIS chief executive Lorraine Davidson warns: “We have consistently pointed out that the operating environment for our schools has been challenging for some time, and that this is the worst possible time to be moving to implement a 20 per cent tax on children’s education." Describing the "awful situation" they face while preparing to move their 15-year-old son out of his independent school, one parent says: “It was also pointed out that if he moved in August, there would be difficulties due to the Higher level teaching having started in June when he would be doing his GCSEs." Several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned. By Calum Ross. 

There is further coverage of the impact of Labour's VAT on fees policy on schools in Scotland in The Times, which reports that some schools are fearing an exodus of pupils amid the tax proposals. By Jeremy Watson.

The Times highlights concerns from several prep and pre-prep schools that Labour's VAT on fees policy, combined with declining birth rates, could force closures unless they sell to investors. Several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned and a number of staff members are quoted in the article. By Nicola Woolcock.

More than 50,000 independent school parents are planning to put their retirement at risk by raiding their pensions to pay for increased fees, the Sunday Telegraph can reveal. Parents have told the paper they could be “left with no pension pot whatsoever” when they turn 65 as a result of Labour’s decision to impose VAT on school fees from January next year. Harry Bell, director of financial planning at Charles Stanley, said parents were having to be more creative with how they funded school fees and making “greater sacrifices”. By Pieter Snepvangers.

Writing in the Sunday Telegraph, Michael Mosbacher says the government's decision to impose VAT on school fees from January will have severe consequences, including the closure of small schools and disruption for many children. Mr Mosbacher suggests the Conservative Party should counter Labour's tax plans by introducing education vouchers, which would enable parents to allocate state education funds towards school fees. "Independent education could really become an option for the many, not the few", he says. Michael Mosbacher is the paper's associate comment editor.

Anonymous parents write in The Times on the impact of Labour's VAT policy and what it is like to switch from independent to state school. Describing the difficult choices they are facing, one says: "I’m hearing of marriages at breaking point over the stress of it. There is an emotional tax to be paid when it comes to the wellbeing of our children and their future. A feeling of failure weighs heavily."

In a House of Commons written question, Liberal Democrat MP for Yeovil Adam Dance asked the education secretary what assessment she has made of the capacity of state schools to accommodate a potential increase in students transferring from independent schools; and whether pupils transferring from independent schools in rural areas will be guaranteed a place at their nearest state school.

Responding, Minister for Early Education Stephen Morgan said: "The government predicts that 35,000 pupils will move into UK state schools in the long-term steady state following the removal of the VAT exemption to school fees. The government expects approximately 2,900 pupils will move into state schools in England following the business rates policy taking effect. As such, the impact on the state education system as a whole is expected to be very small." He concluded: "Parents that require a state-funded place for their child must apply to the admission authority of the school for which they want to apply. Admission authorities must deal with applications in line with their published admissions policy. Admissions policies can prioritise applicants on a range of factors, including by distance from home. However, no pupil is guaranteed a place at their nearest state-funded school." Hansard.

Writing to The Sunday Telegraph, Colonel Howard Stephens (retd) from Norfolk argues that exempting military families from the proposed VAT on boarding school fees is essential to retain experienced non-commissioned officers and officers, who form the backbone of the armed forces. Colonel Stephens warns that without this exemption, the financial strain may force these vital personnel to leave the military, undermining recruitment and retention efforts during a critical time. "An exemption from the tax would make relatively little impact on the overall tax raid and is the only sensible way to proceed", he says.
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Overburdened local authorities are being accused of using the legal system as a “delay tactic” to deny parents of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) requests for council-funded support, iNews has learned. Lawyers and advocates who frequently attend SEND tribunals have told the paper they have seen local authority representatives give “no reason” why parental requests for a specific school placement or an education, health and care plans (EHCP) for their child had initially been denied. In response, the Local Government Association (LGA) said: “Councils want to ensure that every child with special needs gets the best care and support tailored to their individual needs. It is therefore wrong to suggest councils would delay providing support in order to save money." By Connie Dimsdale, iNews.

Ofsted’s new grading system is expected to include one-word ratings despite a pledge to abolish them. Sir Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector, has now proposed giving schools a colour-coded rating on each of the 10 areas, ranging from “exemplary” in purple, to “causing concern” in red. Schools will now receive ratings on a five-point scale instead of four, offering "more nuance" in performance assessments. By Daniel Martin, The Telegraph. 

The Telegraph explores the increasing popularity of Eton fives, which has launched in a state school for the first time in more than 100 years. The handball sport, invented at Eton College, has also experienced an expansion into Switzerland, Malaysia and China. Speaking to the paper, director of development at the Eton Fives Association Alex Knight said: “It deserves to be played by everyone, and widening access to the game beyond its traditional base remains a priority.” By Samuel Montgomery.

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