ISC Daily News Summary

Helen Hayes, a shadow education minister, told MPs during a Westminster Hall debate that Labour would not exempt all children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) from its tax plans "to avoid a loophole whereby any school can claim that it is a special school". The party has promised to exempt fees for pupils with an education, health and care plan (EHCP), but more than 1,600 children in independent special schools do not have an EHCP, which can take years to acquire. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), said: “We are calling for an exemption for over 96,000 of our students who are receiving SEND support but who do not have an EHCP. Whether or not their independent school is designated as a special school should be irrelevant to this. We are keen to work with Labour to make sure this exemption would be targeted at the families and children who need it.” Conservative MP for Harborough Neil O'Brien, who had questioned Labour on its policy, warned: "Parents of children with special needs work so hard and often have no practical choice except small independent schools to get the care their vulnerable children need.” By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph.

Research commissioned by mortgage and finance advisers Ashbridge Partners has found that 18 per cent of parents would "definitely" move their children out of independent schools while a further 21 per cent would "probably" do so should Labour impose VAT on school fees. The Financial Times speaks to a number of parents from the sector who are concerned about the impact Labour's plans will have, with one saying the plans have shaken his budgeting “quite drastically” and another parent warning that she would have to "dial down" therapeutic interventions for her autistic son "to afford the independent education later". Reference is made to research and statistics from the ISC. By John Aglionby.

St Michael’s School in south-west Wales has been named The Telegraph’s best value for money independent school for 2024. At least 79 per cent of pupils secured top grades at both A-levels and GCSEs, among the highest in the country. Reference is made to several schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations. By Ben Butcher. The Telegraph asks readers to contact [email protected] if Labour's tax plans are likely to prevent them from sending their children to independent school.

In an article for Independent Schools Magazine, VAT specialist Rupert Moyle considers some of the potential implications of Labour's tax policy. Outlining a number of key areas to consider, Mr Moyle explains: "We will need to await the draft legislation before confirming the precise effect of any change." Rupert Moyle is the VAT partner at Kreston Reeves LLP.

In the ISC's latest 'Spotlight On' blog, Stephen Burley, headteacher of King’s High School, explains how the school’s partnership work provides vital opportunities for local children with disabilities. 

A new survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC) has found that teachers perform the most unpaid overtime of any profession. Published to mark its Work Your Proper Hours Day, taking place today, the TUC survey suggests two out of five teaching staff in the UK work 26 hours for free each week. By Richard Adams, The Guardian. 

The Times looks at the role of school governors amid the launch of a campaign by the National Governance Association to recruit more volunteers. The benefits for career progression are explored, with individuals encouraged to apply at schools in both the state and independent sectors. By Jane Hamilton.

Writing in Independent School Management Plus, Rob Ford looks at the global education partnerships that have developed in Ukraine as the country prepares to mark two years since the start of the war. Mr Ford, who is director of Heritage International School in Moldova, concludes: "We all hope... there is a real peace soon for the children and people of Ukraine."