Hi All,

This afternoon, Prime Minister Rishi Sunak called a snap election to take place on Thursday 4 July.  Over the next six weeks, politicians across the country will campaign for votes.  

It also means that the threat of school fee VAT is now more real.  The Education Not Taxation campaign has spoken with parents across the country.  Parents have shared stories of children with special education needs that weren’t met in state schools, children in the middle of GCSEs or A-levels and children that simply needed a greater level of challenge.  

We all want great schools, but forcing children out of their schools won’t get us there.  Nor will pitting schools against each other, or making independent schools even less accessible.  It is far better to encourage schools to learn from each other and share what works to improve education for all.     

So, what can we do?

Share our petition, far and wide

Over 117,000 people have now signed our petition on change.org.  If you’re an independent school parent worried about what this means for you, this is our collective voice.  Even if you can afford to pay 20% more, remember that this can still affect you if your child’s school has to close because of this policy.  

We welcome support from state school parents and the wider community too.  Children in state schools will face even higher pressure when more children join their already full classes.  Research by the Adam Smith Institute, published in The Telegraph, found that local authorities are not ready for an influx of students, and we hear that some local authorities are already receiving more applications than they can accommodate.  

Speak with candidates

It is now more important than ever to  share your concerns with candidates of any party where you live.  Explain why this issue matters to you.  

You can find your local candidates by entering in your postcode on this site:  https://whocanivotefor.co.uk/

We’ve also included some helpful tips on our website on the “How Can I Help?” page here.  We’re also putting together some further guidance that we’ll add in the next few days.

Share your stories

We can only make the case by showing the effects of taxing independent school fees.  We are regularly asked for stories and profiles, so please let us know if you’d be able to share your story.  

We’re especially looking for stories of parents who are moving their child out of their independent school, and anyone who is having difficulty finding a state school.  We’re always looking out for stories sharing parent concerns and different aspects of this issue.  

Join our parents Facebook group

We have a lively community of independent school parents on Facebook.  If you’re an independent school parent, please consider joining us as well.  You can join here.

Be a School Champion

Now more than ever, we need ‘school champions’ to raise awareness, support other parents and make the case to their wider communities (e.g. in community Facebook groups).  

We will have a packed few weeks ahead!   Keep an eye out for more updates, and let’s work together and help common sense prevail.

Tony Perry
Education Not Taxation