As a working family with two children in private schools, we stretch every penny to secure the best possible education for our children - a story shared by many of our friends and fellow parents. However, the proposed addition of VAT to private education fees can make this uphill struggle even steeper. We understand that the financial burden on families privately educating their children will increase considerably.

This policy does not simply target the wealthy, it jeopardizes the educational opportunities of many hardworking families who make personal sacrifices to afford private education. Moreover, if VAT is to be applied, it is essential that thorough affordability checks are conducted. An indiscriminate imposition of VAT would be deeply unfair.

Critically, this is not only about the families who opt for private education. The impact of this policy could have far-reaching consequences on state schools too. If private schools become unattainable for many, state schools will have to bear the brunt of this decision. Already strained by shortages of both spaces and teachers, added pressure may compromise the quality of education available in state schools.

Therefore, we urge the government to seriously consider its course of action. Instead of burdening parents with additional costs, more funding should be allocated to meet teaching targets in state schools. For the sake of every child's education, we implore the authorities to rethink the proposed imposition of VAT on private education. Please, sign this petition and join us in our fight for fair and feasible education policies.