Hi All,

It has been a while since my last update, but I wanted to let you know that the tide is turning against the Government’s policy to tax education.  

Last week, research commissioned by the Scottish Council of Independent Schools (SCIS) showed that the sums don’t add up with this tax.  Biggar Economics analysed the impact of VAT in Scotland and found that, following the Government’s decision to tax education:

• Pupil numbers in independent schools fell by 9%
• This tax will cost the economy an estimated £16m in 2026/27.
• By 2039, pupil numbers could fall by 34% (compared to a projected decline of 12.5% in state schools) compared to pre-VAT levels.  School contributions to the economy could fall by £227m and lose 3,610 jobs.

The policy won’t deliver its promised benefits either.  As the policy made its way through Parliament, the Government promised that taxing independent school fees would fund 6,500 new teachers in state schools.  However, the Times Educational Supplement report that the Department for Education plan for 6,120 fewer teachers to start training next year (2026-27 academic year) than they had in 2025-26.  These reductions are seen in both primary and secondary school settings, and include a decline for physics, music and religious education (RE).  

I’m also pleased to write that other political party leaders have promised to repeal this tax after the next election.  Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch also promised to “cancel [the Government’s] vindictive tax on education” at the Conservative Party Conference last October.  Earlier this month, Rupert Lowe, leader of Restore Britain, vowed on X that “a Restore Britain Government would immediately reverse Labour's cruel VAT raid on private schools.”  Finally, Richard Dice, Deputy Leader of Reform UK, just last week promised on X that “Reform will scrap VAT on school fees”.  

Our work continues to document the harms of this policy and make the case with other parties.  I’m pleased to write that those conversations are ongoing.  We want to see as many parties as possible add repeal of this tax into their manifestos, ending this nightmare.  Unfortunately, it is too late for many of our children, families and schools – over 105 schools (and counting) have closed due at least in part to school fee VAT.

I urge you all to contact your MPs and politely let them know that this issue still matters to you.  Send them an email.  You can find your MP and reach them on the following link: https://members.parliament.uk/FindYourMP.  

Finally, keep an eye out for a follow-up message from us soon.  We in the Education Not Taxation campaign want to understand the issues that concern you most, as parents and other supporters of independent school children (in addition to VAT).  We will send you a brief survey and your feedback will be incredibly helpful to our work.  Please complete it and let us know what matters to you.

Thank you all for your continued support in this fight.  The dawn of repeal is distant, but it is rising.  We hope that repeal of tax also brings greater choice for parents across the country and greater accountability for schools to help children get the knowledge and skills they need to thrive.

Best regards,

Tony Perry

Education Not Taxation