An attempt by the Labour Party to force the government to explore the removal of tax relief for independent schools has been rejected by ministers.
Figures released by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) have shown that independent schools have boosted the value of means-tested bursary places for disadvantaged pupils by 30 per cent in a decade.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), took part in a televised panel interview about the charitable status of independent schools.
A report by Oxford Economics, commissioned by the ISC and due to be published this week, has revealed that independent schools contribute an annual £16.5 billion to the economy and provide as many jobs as Asda, Sainsbury’s and Co-op combined.
Proposals by the Labour Party to add VAT to independent school fees have been criticised by education experts who warn the move will result in thousands of pupils being moved to the state sector.
In a letter to The Telegraph, the leaders of all the constituent associations of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) condemn the Labour Party's plan to add VAT to school fees.
In the Autumn Statement announced yesterday, the chancellor, Jeremy Hunt, dismissed the Labour Party's call to add VAT to independent school fees, condemning what he called the "ideological" approach and instead promising to focus on investment.
According to The Telegraph's investigation, it is the first time there been a sharp drop in the rate of admissions for independent school pupils.