Julie Robinson, the chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has requested an urgent meeting with ministers to discuss "how disruption could be avoided for Year 10 and Year 11 students" amid concerns that the government's VAT on fees policy could see thousands of GCSE pupils forced out of their independent schools. Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Robinson warned: “This is a particular issue given the mid-year introduction. Thousands of students’ GCSE results could be put at risk, with a knock-on effect for their future studies.” The paper reports that the issue is of particular concern for the more than 30,000 pupils who study IGCSEs, a qualification typically only taught in independent schools after it was phased out of state schools in 2018. Jaideep Barot, the head of Bristol Grammar School where both GCSEs and IGCSEs are offered, said the issue was emblematic of Labour’s “rushed policy”. Mr Barot, who is also chair of HMC (The Heads' Conference), backed calls for the policy to be delayed, saying: “This would give HMRC, local councils, state schools, independent schools and parents the time needed to prepare properly for its introduction.” The paper speaks to families concerned about the consequences of moving their child to a new school mid-way through their GCSEs, where incompatible coursework poses a risk to their grades. Grandparent Carol Wiltshire describes the personal sacrifices she is making to cover fees and avoid disruption to her grandchild's IGCSEs. On the negative impact of the VAT policy, Ms Wiltshire told the paper: "The government has not brought in any plan for these pupils. My granddaughter has done most of her coursework and that coursework is totally different to the state school system." By Pieter Snepvangers.

In a personal finance item in the Financial Times, readers discuss the government’s VAT on fees policy. Diverse perspectives are shared, with some condemning the plans as ideological and others arguing the tax could help level the playing field in education. Readers are invited to add their views to the comment section. By Isabelle Rodney.

In a written question in the House of Lords, Lord Kempsell (Conservative) asked ministers how much the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) will increase following the commitments outlined in the Autumn Budget. Lord Coaker (Labour) replied: "For Academic Year 2023-24, the Ministry of Defence (MOD) paid £88.6 million for Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) to support the education of 4,005 children for 2,666 Service personnel. Following the Budget statement by the Chancellor on 30 October, the MOD confirmed that it would carry out an in-year re-rating of CEA. The increased cost of the allowance to MOD is unknown until the exercise completes in early December." Hansard.

Also writing to the paper, Gareth Parker-Jones, head of Rugby School, suggests the lack of progress in education reform has resulted from "the inertia of our political system". Mr Parker-Jones contrasts this with the adaptability of independent schools, which have embraced innovative approaches such as the International Baccalaureate (IB) that is offered at his own school. He states: "It is regrettable that the government is not only attacking independent schools through a punitive tax regime but shunning them at a time when we have so much of value to contribute to the necessary debate for reform."

Both letters appear halfway down the page.