Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has reiterated concerns over the government's VAT on fees policy, which threatens to disrupt the education of pupils in both sectors.
It has been announced that the ISC's legal challenge to the government's policy to place VAT on independent school fees will be heard in the High Court between 1 and 3 April.
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) is working to clarify whether independent schools are required to charge VAT on school meals, amid reports of inconsistencies between guidelines published by the Treasury and HMRC.
Julie Robinson has predicted that the impact of the government’s VAT on fees policy will increase over time, in light of the news that a number of independent schools have announced plans to close later this year.
Highlighting the higher proportion of young people with SEND in the independent sector, Julie Robinson has said independent schools are 'working within a legitimate system' when requesting extra exam time for pupils.
Julie Robinson has welcomed the news that the ISC's legal challenge against Labour's VAT on fees policy will be fast-tracked through the High Court amid concerns it breaches the human rights of children.
Following the news that two more independent schools have announced proposals to close this summer, chief executive of the ISC Julie Robinson warned of further closures, leading to staff redundancies and disrupted education for pupils.
ISC chief executive Julie Robinson responds to reports that three independent schools have closed in one week following the introduction of VAT on fees from the start of this month.