VAT on fees 'proving existential for some schools', warns ISC
Posted on: 13 Oct 2025
Posted by: ISC Press Office
Sarah Cunnane, the ISC's head of media and communications, has warned that the government's VAT on fees policy is having a significant impact on independent schools and their communities more widely.
Speaking to The Telegraph, Ms Cunnane reflected on recent ISC figures showing members have seen a 25,000 decrease in the number of pupils since Labour vowed to raise fees.
She warned: "We’ve seen around just over 80 schools close in the past academic year. It’s proving existential for some schools. In many areas, independent schools will be the biggest local employer."