The turnover of independent school headteachers could be “accelerated” by the impact of Labour's VAT on fees policy, Robin Fletcher, chief executive of the BSA Group, has warned. In response to a question from Tes during a session at the Schools and Academies Show in Birmingham, Mr Fletcher said the “nature of headship is changing” in the independent sector, and that there had been an “alarming flurry” of recent headship changes. When asked by the paper if the VAT policy could result in the closure of some independent schools, deputy CEO of the Independent Association of Prep Schools (IAPS) Emilie Darwin agreed that it would. Noting that “the job has changed a lot”, she said: “Headteachers sustaining posts for a shorter period is not necessarily surprising." Separately, the issue of provision of education for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) was discussed, during which the director of independent schools at United Learning, Fiona Boulton, addressed the different access arrangements that pupils receive in the state and independent sectors. By Cerys Turner.

In an interview with ITV News on the impact of Labour’s VAT policy, head of Cranleigh School Samantha Price warned that introducing such a tax on independent school fees could mean some families are forced to switch to state schools mid-year, causing significant disruption for children in areas like Surrey where demand for places at state schools is already high. She said: "Parents who can't manage that [VAT] uplift, having to move mid-year is incredibly disruptive. Moving schools for any child at any age is hard. You've got to establish yourself within new friendship groups, get to know a new school, new teachers, and this isn't the fault of the children.” Urging the government to collaborate with independent schools to improve education nationally, Ms Price added: "I understand the challenge in terms of wanting to ensure that every child in this country has access to an outstanding education that is morally absolutely right. But I don't believe that penalising the independent sector is going to achieve that goal.” By Simon Harris and Chris Howse.

A report claiming to have found "plenty of availability" in Edinburgh state schools for priced-out independent pupils has been thrown out by councillors who have accused officials of trying to “shoehorn” children into the state sector. City council officials noted more than 3,500 extra places in Edinburgh state schools in 2025, but councillors last night rejected these figures as most of the schools attached caveats that there was limited space for activities and essential provision such as dining and lavatories. Lorraine Davidson, chief executive of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS), said no assessment had been carried out into the “harm to a child’s wellbeing” of being forced from their school and travelling to another many miles from where they live. Warning that Labour's VAT policy will affect children at both independent and state schools, Ms Davidson added: “It is being implemented in the most disruptive way imaginable, in the middle of a school year when school and local authority budgets and timetables have already been set.” By Mark McLaughlin, The Times. 

In a House of Lords written question for the Treasury, Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association (ISA), asked how much revenue ministers expect to raise by imposing VAT on independent school fees, and how they have calculated that estimate. Responding, the Lords Treasury Minister Lord Livermore said: "Applying VAT to private school fees will raise £1.7 billion a year by 2029/30, rising from £1.5 billion in the first full year of the policy. The Government published the policy costing for this change at the Budget, including setting out the assumptions and methodology. The independent Office for Budget Responsibility (OBR) has certified the costing, including the assumptions and methodology." 

In a House of Commons written question, Conservative MP for New Forest West Sir Desmond Swayne asked what steps the chancellor is taking to enable independent schools to register for VAT. Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray responded, saying HMRC has taken "extensive" action to support independent schools with registration applications since the announcement on 29 July, adding: "HMRC has published bespoke guidance for schools, as well hosting live webinars to support schools in understanding how to register for, and charge, VAT. HMRC has also set up an online interactive guidance tool, allowing schools to check when they may be required to register for VAT based on their specific circumstances."

During a House of Lords debate on the Institute for Apprenticeships and Technical Education (Transfer of Functions etc) Bill, Baroness Garden of Frognal shared her concerns over the government's plans to impose VAT on independent school fees. Baroness Garden said: "We are disappointed, as we always thought of Labour as a party supportive of education in all its guises, yet it has brought forward the damaging VAT on independent schools Bill, which would make us the first country in the world, I believe, to tax education—shame on them—and now this damaging Bill to attack practical education. It is a sad day indeed." Hansard.

A cross-party alliance of former education secretaries is calling on ministers to be bold in their reform of the national curriculum and assessment system, saying the opportunity presents a once-in-a-generation “golden chance” to create schools that better prepare young people for the working world. The group of seven education experts insists that radical change is essential to reconnect the education system with the job market, generate economic growth and boost social mobility. By Rachel Sylvester and Nicola Woolcock, The Times.

Schools in Estonia are excelling in reading, mathematics and science in addition to fairness and happiness. The Times looks at what schools in the UK might learn from the small Baltic state, which has the best education system in Europe according to the Programme for International Student Assessment (Pisa). By Rachel Sylvester.

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