ISC CEO: Impact of VAT on fees policy likely to be felt 'immediately' by families
ISC chief executive Julie Robinson has warned that the government's VAT on fees policy risks destabilising communities, with the impact on schools and families likely to be felt "immediately".
Ms Robinson's comments follow the news that six families have filed a High Court claim challenging the government’s decision to impose VAT on independent school fees from January 2025. Supported by the Independent Schools Council (ISC), the case argues the policy is incompatible with the Human Rights Act and the right to education under the European Convention on Human Rights.
Speaking to Tes, Ms Robinson said the government’s “blanket approach” means the impact of the policy is likely to be felt “immediately” by many families and children. She explained: “It is to protect the rights of these families, who are having their choice removed from them by this policy, that we are seeking a declaration of incompatibility.”
The legal action comes after the ISC previously joined with teaching unions to urge the government to delay the policy. In a response to the Treasury’s consultation, both the ISC and the Association of School and College Leaders (ASCL) called for the policy to be delayed until September 2025.
The ISC added that it would be “more practical” for schools that have already set their budgets for 2024-25. The organisation also expressed concerns at the latest round of Treasury guidance, calling it “poorly drafted” and warning that it “does not give schools the information they need to operate VAT from January”.