ISC Daily News Summary

Leaders of independent special needs and disabilities (SEND) schools have raised concerns that Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer is ignoring their schools as he forges ahead with plans to impose VAT on fees. Speaking to The Telegraph, headteacher of Moon Hall School Michelle Catterson said it is "quite shocking" that the party is failing to discuss its plans with leaders of independent schools providing specialist support. Jonathan Hetherington, headmaster of More House School, spoke of his disappointment that no Labour MPs had chosen to attend a recent event that he had arranged to facilitate cross-party discussion on the issue. Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), is quoted, saying: “Nearly 100,000 students in ISC schools are receiving SEND support but do not have an EHCP. We are deeply concerned about the potential disruption to their education and the resulting pressure it would cause within state SEND provision." The article is accompanied by a case study on the experiences of a family from More House School. By Louisa Clarence-Smith, The Telegraph. 

Principal of LVS Ascot Christine Cunniffe was interviewed by John Pienaar on Times Radio last night, following claims that grammar schools are preparing for an influx of independent school children amid Labour's tax plans. Ms Cunniffe said she anticipates around 20 per cent of her pupils would have to leave should Labour's policy come into effect and that independent SEND and faith schools would "suffer the most". Listen from 01:21:30.

Author and columnist Allison Pearson considers the possible impact of Labour's tax policy on SEND schools, and the wider education sector, in a comment piece for The Telegraph. "Lazy stereotypes about independent schools abound", she writes, before highlighting the extensive bursary provision offered by independent schools. Ms Pearson concludes: "It [the independent sector] takes so much pressure off the state system that parents should get tax relief, not a tax increase!" 

In a letter to The Telegraph, former independent school headmaster John Richardson warns: "All that Labour’s policy will do is narrow the overall educational provision, reduce state-private partnerships, deny many the chance of bursaries and scholarships, and put private education further out of reach for many less well-off pupils."

VAT expert Kieran Smith joined think tank the EDSK's education podcast to talk through the complexities of taxing school fees. On the question of what important message he would like to give politicians from all parties, Mr Smith responded: "The main one, based on conversations that I've had with schools - big and small - over the last few years would be to make sure schools have the chance to prepare for these changes." The podcast does not offer, or intend to offer, any legal or financial advice.

The Daily News Summary will be taking a short pause for the Easter break. We wish you all a very happy and restful Easter holiday.