A poll conducted in the last two weeks has found that 85 per cent of parents with children in independent schools are considering removing them because of the government’s VAT policy. Over 3,500 parents across the UK were surveyed in the poll that was carried out exclusively by LBC. Chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson told the broadcaster she believes up to 40,000 pupils may leave the independent sector once the policy is introduced, causing significant disruption to families as well as schools. Ms Robinson said: “We think this policy could possibly end up costing more because of the displacement of children over time. Given that most of these schools are small and already struggling on thin margins, I think sadly we will find some - if they lose a certain critical mass of pupils - will be worried about their future." Rudolf Eliott Lockhart, chief executive of the Independent Schools Association (ISA), warned that it is "simply naïve" to think the tax policy would make a significant change to the education funding gap. Urging ministers to rethink the plans for independent school fees, he added: "It’s a sector that is based on independence and using that independence to do something different to the state sector.” Sophia, a mother from Birmingham, told LBC she has already removed her daughter from her independent school ahead of the rise in fees in January. She said: “[My daughter] really enjoyed her school... and then to suddenly have to leave – she was really upset." An impact assessment of the policy will be published on Budget Day, eight weeks before it is due to come into effect. By Amara-Sophia Elahi. The audio version of this article is available at the top of the page.

Somerset Council has reported a rise in parents enquiring about moving their children out of independent schools and into state schools since ministers announced that the VAT policy will come into effect from January 2025. The ISC told BBC News it had seen an increase in enquiries from parents about moving their child from an independent to a state school since June 2024. Julie Robinson explained: "Parents who are already committed and their children are settled in school, now that they're facing VAT suddenly in January, in the middle of the year, they're re-evaluating their plans and they're very, very concerned about whether they might need to move during the year or at the end of the academic year." The article also quotes Alex Battison, head of Wellington School in Somerset. By Ruth Bradley.

Sue Hannam, headteacher of Lichfield Cathedral School, has said the government has been "unnecessarily cruel" on faith school pupils for introducing its VAT policy and that it "discriminates" against Christians. Speaking to GB News, Ms Hannam said: “There is no other Anglican secondary provision in our area, and we are a day school, so all our families live in the local area – their choice is removed totally unless they are prepared to geographically relocate." She added: "I have been contacted by one parent who has already raised concerns about choristers who have pledged themselves to a cathedral choral foundation, having to break their pledges (to God) and face significant upheaval to what is a way of life, if fees become unaffordable.” By Keith Bays.

Writing in The Telegraph, chemical weapons expert Hamish de Bretton-Gordon warns that the VAT policy is one of the issues straining the military covenant, which is the government's obligation to support those who serve the country. The former colonel explains that military families already make significant sacrifices, such as frequent relocations, and the additional financial burden is likely to deter potential recruits. Urging the prime minister to reconsider his tax policy, he concludes: "Allow us a decent education for our children and decent housing for our families. Remember, while you are holding the coats, we will be doing your fighting."

The Telegraph's money section advises readers on ways to invest to pay for school fees. Discounts and bursaries are explored, along with what is, and isn't, exempt from VAT under Labour's policy. By Emma Wall. 

Teaching assistants will be given the chance to train as special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) specialists through a new apprenticeship scheme. Equivalent to a foundation degree, the level 5 specialist teaching assistant apprenticeship will enable support staff to specialise in either SEND, social and emotional wellbeing or curriculum provision. By Lucas Cumiskey, Schools Week.

Some children with SEND will be able to listen to white noise or music during their exams this year after new rules were introduced following a post-pandemic rise in requests. The change is included in updated guidance from the Joint Council for Qualifications on adjustments that schools can request for pupils with disabilities and learning difficulties. By Samantha Booth, Schools Week.  

Nearly half of first-class degrees awarded to university students cannot be justified, according to the Office for Students (OfS). The university regulator found that the proportion of firsts had dropped to pre-pandemic levels - 29.6 per cent of degrees in England were at the top grade in the academic year 2022- 2023, 3.7 percentage points lower than the previous year. However, more than 45 per cent of these could not be explained, given the prior attainment of students, course subject and other factors. Almost one in four students with three Ds at A level - 24.4 per cent - went on to achieve a first. By Nicola Woolcock and George Willoughby, The Times.

The head of the Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), Nikhil Rathi, has called for better financial education in schools. Citing a recent report from the Commons Education Select Committee, Mr Rathi said the UK needs to tackle the “root causes of financial exclusion” and has urged the government to consider the introduction of financial education as early as primary level in the current curriculum review. By Alex Daniel, The Independent.

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