VAT on fees: 'As schools close and the money promised does not materialise, we hope the government reflects and reverses their decision'
Amid reports that independent school fees are rising by more than Labour had predicted as the VAT policy takes effect, ISC CEO Julie Robinson has warned that thousands of children will have their education disrupted.
In October, the Treasury claimed fees would rise by 10 per cent on average, but a Telegraph analysis of 964 independent schools has found that half are increasing fees by 15 per cent or more, while a fifth are increasing fees by the full 20 per cent.
Speaking to the paper, Julie Robinson warned of an exodus from independent schools, saying: "In enacting this policy, the government has done wilful damage to education that will have none of the benefits promised by ministers.
"Thousands of children will have their education disrupted due to this unprecedented tax on education, exacerbating the crisis in special educational needs and disabilities support, limiting options for families of faith and imperilling world-class arts education.
"Parents are already opting out in greater numbers than predicted, and more will follow. As schools close and the money promised does not materialise, we hope the government reflects and reverses their decision, choosing instead to focus on how all schools can work together for the benefit of 100 per cent of the nation’s children."