Independent schools have lost 30,000 pupils since introduction of VAT on fees, figures show

Speaking to The Times, Ms Robinson said: "Behind these figures are families facing difficult financial decisions and schools working hard to preserve the opportunities, expertise and support that parents value. These trends demonstrate that policy decisions can have real consequences for families’ educational choices."

In a subsequent interview with BBC Radio 4's Today programme, Ms Robinson was asked to explain the fall in pupil numbers. Responding to host Anna Foster's question, Ms Robinson said: "We know there is a range of factors at play... but this change is the biggest reduction in pupil numbers across independent schools since ISC records began, and it can't be explained by demographic changes alone."

Referencing the ISC's new figures, she said: "This evidence suggests the impact is greater than [ministers] predicted," adding that "state schools aren't seeing the benefit."

Ms Foster then asked about overall school numbers, saying: "It's interesting that pupil numbers are falling but there are actually more private schools opening than closing." Ms Robinson explained that the figure quoted includes special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) schools, and said: "If we look at mainstream schools only, over the last year there's a net loss of over 60 of those." She added that SEND schools are taken out of that equation because they are not subject to VAT in the same way mainstream schools are.

Reiterating the ISC's call for the government to reverse its tax policy, Ms Robinson highlighted the partnership work taking place across the country that sees "schools of all kinds working together in the community to broaden educational opportunities for all children". She concluded: "We are looking for greater recognition of the role independent schools play in helping to deliver on the government's educational priorities."