Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has warned that the independent sector is likely to see a contraction in pupil numbers in 2026.
More than 100 independent schools have closed since the introduction of the VAT on fees policy, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has said.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, has warned that the number of pupils leaving independent schools will increase in the coming years, as official data suggests the Home Counties have been most affected by the introduction of VAT on fees.
Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC, has expressed concern over reports that another independent school is set to close amid financial pressures including the government's VAT on fees policy.
Following the imposition of VAT on fees from 1 January this year, ministers have reportedly claimed they believe they are "on track to raise the revenue forecast if not slightly exceed it".
Sarah Cunnane, the ISC's head of media and communications, has warned that the government's VAT on fees policy is having a significant impact on independent schools and their communities more widely.
A spokesperson for the ISC said parents and schools are navigating the changing landscape following the introduction of VAT on fees, as figures show that some areas have seen sharper declines in pupil numbers than others.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, has highlighted figures showing almost 25,000 pupils have been forced out of independent schools since the general election – significantly more than previously predicted.