In a House of Commons written question, Conservative MP and former shadow education secretary Damian Hinds asked the education secretary what steps she is taking to monitor the potential impact of VAT on independent schools and pupil numbers in those schools. In response, parliamentary under-secretary (Department for Education) Stephen Morgan said ministers expect that its VAT on fees policy, effective from January 2025, will lead to 37,000 fewer pupils in the independent sector, with approximately 35,000 moving into state schools in the long term. This influx, he said, represents less than 0.5 per cent of state school pupils nationwide, with local impacts varying, and the government expects state schools to handle these shifts through existing place planning and support systems. [The full transcript of this written answer, which was used in response to a number of grouped questions posed by Mr Hinds on Labour's VAT policy, can be read in full at Hansard].

In a House of Lords written question for the Treasury, crossbench hereditary peer Lord Aberdare asked ministers whether providers offering Level 6 qualifications, which are funded through the Dance and Drama Award scheme, will be affected by the changes to VAT. Responding, Labour life peer Lord Livermore said: "From 1 January 2025, the 20% standard rate of VAT will apply to all education services, vocational training, and boarding services provided by private schools for a charge. This will apply to any fees charged after 29 July 2024 for terms starting after 1 January 2025. Higher education taught at schools that are otherwise in scope of the policy (for instance, performing arts schools) are being carved out of the VAT policy, as set out in the Government’s response to the technical consultation." Hansard.

In a letter to The Telegraph, Richard Pallister from Suffolk argues that the government's VAT on fees policy is creating significant disruption for families since it complicates transitions to state schools that may lack the resources to accommodate pupils’ academic needs. Mr Pallister fears the policy's rushed implementation could cause widespread issues, and writes: "The prime minister needs to take control of this situation, and cancel – or at the very least postpone – the policy, so its impact can be properly analysed, and realistic time frames for its implementation put in place." The letter appears above halfway.

Bridget Phillipson yesterday revealed a number of measures aimed at making mainstream schools more inclusive for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND). In her speech to the Confederation of School Trusts’ conference in Birmingham, the education secretary also announced the appointment of two major new SEND advisers as well as the creation of an expert group on neurodiversity to improve inclusivity in mainstream schools. By Cerys Turner, Tes. 

The gap between the share of independently educated and state-educated pupils receiving extra time in exams has widened, according to data published by Ofqual yesterday. The figures suggest 42 per cent of students enrolled in independent schools received extra time in the 2023-24 academic year, compared with 26 per cent of pupils in non-selective state schools. By Kieran Smith and Amy Borrett, Financial Times. 

In an interview with Independent School Management Plus, Damian McBeath highlights the mutual benefits of cross-sector partnerships, specifically between Benenden School and The John Wallis Academy, where collaboration enriches both communities through shared resources, mentoring, and diverse experiences. Mr McBeath, headteacher of The John Wallis Academy and a member of the governing council at Benenden School, explains how the partnership began and discusses plans for further expansion. He says: "It’s a really important message that Benenden gives out – they have a social impact beyond the school, they’re doing more than just teaching the girls, they’re making a difference to children beyond the Benenden school gates." By Zoe MacDougall.

In a blog marking the end of this year's ISC Partnerships Week, Chris Dearmer, deputy head (co-curricular, community & careers) at South Hampstead High School GDST, introduces Debate Hub – the cornerstone of the school’s partnership programme – and reflects on the importance of oracy education in schools.

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