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Daily News Summary
29 January 2025

Welsh independent schools with charitable status to lose business rates relief
House of Commons written answers: VAT on fees policy and Armed Forces
Letter: Single-sex schools
More children will attend school hungry, warns Joseph Rowntree Foundation
Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging: Key tips for school leaders
'As part of the International Schools Partnership we have been transformed'

Welsh independent schools with charitable status to lose business rates relief

 

A total of 17 independent schools in Wales will lose the 80 per cent tax relief that is currently applied to their business rates, in line with Scotland and changes already planned for England, BBC News reports. The Welsh government claims the move will "free up as much as £1.3m every year to support local public services". In response to the government's consultation in November, the Welsh Independent Schools Council (WISC) said many schools "could not absorb the proposed five-fold increase in non-domestic rates", adding that overall the taxpayer would receive a "net loss" once the effect of "pupil movement and school closures is accounted for". By David Deans.

David Woodgate, chief executive of the Independent Schools’ Bursars Association (ISBA), writes in Independent School Management highlighting the financial pressures facing independent schools, which include rising pension costs, the introduction of VAT on fees, and the removal of business rates relief. Warning that "it is likely that there will remain considerable economic uncertainty over the next few years," Mr Woodgate advises schools to implement strategic futureproofing. One option he suggests is for schools to explore the possibility of merging with another charitable institution, or selling to a for-profit group. He says: "Schools must balance quality education with financial sustainability, ensuring they remain both attractive and viable in a rapidly evolving environment."

Andrew McGarva, rector of Morrison’s Academy in Scotland, has raised concerns after it was revealed that children of American soldiers in the UK would be exempt from the government's VAT on fees policy, while those of British troops would not. The exemption stems from a longstanding tax rule, established in 1951, that shields US military personnel from service-related taxes. Mr McGarva said: "This decision highlights inconsistencies in the imposition of VAT on school fees and raises troubling questions about our government’s priorities. It feels as though this decision has more to do with keeping in step with the US than protecting children’s education." In an interview with The Scotsman, Mr McGarva added: "What makes this policy particularly frustrating is the government’s steadfast refusal to consider any form of exemption or delay for vulnerable groups." By Pieter Snepvangers, The Telegraph.

 

House of Commons written answers: VAT on fees policy and Armed Forces

 

In a question for the Treasury, shadow defence secretary James Cartlidge asked whether the children of US military families based in the UK are exempt from paying VAT on independent school fees. In response, Exchequer Secretary to the Treasury James Murray said: "Entitled individuals in US Forces have always been able to benefit from the VAT free purchase scheme, providing relief on goods and services in the UK. Private school fees fall into the category of services for these purposes. The government greatly values the contribution of our serving military personnel. The Ministry of Defence has increased the funding allocated to the Continuity of Education Allowance (CEA) to account for the impact of any private school fee increases on the proportion of fees covered by the CEA in line with how the allowance normally operates." Mr Cartlidge also asked whether the children of EU nationals serving in the armed forces in the UK are exempt from VAT on school fees, to which Mr Murray replied: "There is not an exemption for the children of EU nationals serving in the armed forces in the UK." 

In a written question for the Ministry of Defence, Labour MP Derek Twigg asked what proportion of officer cadets entering Sandhurst since 2015 attended (a) a state school and (b) an independent school. Luke Pollard, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary (Ministry of Defence) responded, providing a table with the relevant information. In 2024-25, 39 per cent had attended independent schools and 61 per cent state schools, with figures rounded to the nearest whole number for presentational purposes. Hansard.

 

Letter: Single-sex schools

 

In a letter to The Times, headmistress of St Swithun's School Jane Gandee disputes the claim that single-sex education is "anachronistic" and cites research demonstrating that girls' schools play a crucial role in challenging stereotypes and equipping young women to "navigate successfully the prejudices that still exist". Ms Gandee concludes: "A country that offers single-sex and co-educational schools is one that believes in choice." The letter appears halfway down the page.

 
The Times

More children will attend school hungry, warns Joseph Rowntree Foundation

 

A major report on poverty in the UK has warned that the number of children arriving at school hungry is likely to increase. Published today, the Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) report highlights how the cost-of-living crisis is exacerbating financial struggles for families, potentially affecting pupils’ learning and achievement. The JRF describes the state of poverty across the UK as “shameful”, with approximately one third of all children in the country currently living in poverty. By Mark Gould, Tes.

 
Tes

Diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging: Key tips for school leaders

 

Tes Scotland talks to Hannah Wilson, founder and director of Diverse Educators, ahead of the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) and Diverse Educators' joint event on diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging (DEIB). Taking place in Edinburgh next week, the event will focus on prioritising staff inclusivity. In this article, Ms Wilson discusses some of the common pitfalls and misconceptions around DEIB, and offers advice to school leaders on how to navigate the process. By Henry Hepburn. The joint SCIS and Diverse Educators event, which takes place on Monday 3 February at the Radisson Blu in Edinburgh, is open to all, not just staff in the independent schools sector.

 
Tes

'As part of the International Schools Partnership we have been transformed'

 

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, principal of Claremont School Ed Dickie explains how the senior school's sale in 2018 to the International Schools Partnership (ISP) has brought many long-term benefits. While the transition posed challenges including cultural adjustments and parental concerns, the sale also generated financial investment and global learning opportunities, ultimately enabling the school to maintain its identity while benefiting from being part of a larger network. Mr Dickie writes: "Being part of ISP has brought a security, ambition and reach for Claremont that it otherwise could never have dreamed of."

 
Independent School Management Plus

 

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) monitors the national and educational press in order to keep independent schools up-to-date with relevant education news. The DNS is a service primarily for schools in membership of ISC associations, although other interested parties can choose to sign-up. We endeavour to include relevant news and commentary and, wherever possible, notable public letters. Where capacity allows, we may include links to ISC blogs, press statements and information about school or association events. News stories are selected based on their relevance to the independent sector as a whole. Editorial control of the DNS remains solely with the ISC.

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