ISC CEO urges ministers to 'rethink' VAT on fees policy amid school closures

Posted on: 17 Jan 2025

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.

Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Robinson said: “Many people warned the government that VAT would prove a bridge too far for schools already under financial pressure – we are now seeing the reality: school closures, dedicated staff losing their jobs and children having their education disrupted.

“This is something that we will unfortunately see again over the coming months and years – with more communities losing an employer, a partner and an educational hub for local children. We urge the government to think again and work with us to mitigate the effects of this damaging policy.”