The Labour Party's proposal to impose a 20% VAT on private school fees has sparked significant controversy. The plan, confirmed by Shadow Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson, could be implemented as early as September. Critics argue that the tax hike will increase state school class sizes, reduce special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) provision, and burden taxpayers. Education Secretary Gillian Keegan has been vocal in her opposition, stating that the policy prioritizes politics over pupils. Parents of children attending elite private schools, such as Eton, are reportedly rushing to prepay fees to avoid the impending tax. Headteachers and commentators have also expressed concerns about the potential negative impact on education standards and the increased pressure on state schools, with warnings that 40,000 private school pupils could be forced into the state sector.
🔴 Labour tax raid will force 40,000 private school pupils into state sector, warns Gillian Keegan https://t.co/vVQhDOqez3
In Kew today! 26.4% of students in the Richmond Park constituency go to fee-paying schools. Labour’s plan to impose an Education Tax will have a very real and very detrimental effect on our local education provision. Less opportunity for SEND students, overcrowded state school… https://t.co/FVzyhkGr61
Labour's pernicious Schools Tax is deeply misguided. ❌ Increasing state school class sizes ❌ Slashing SEND provision ❌ Costing taxpayers money This is what happens when you put the politics of envy ahead of pupils.
Headmaster of private school in Rugby urges parents to lobby parliamentary candidates over Labour’s plan to add tax to private school fees. https://t.co/2MweFItysb
UK election updates: Labour’s private school VAT plan puts ‘politics before pupils’, says education secretary https://t.co/BFpWgArrnh
'They have one private school in mind - Eton': Education Secretary Gillian Keegan claims Labour are 'putting politics above pupils' with tax raid https://t.co/aSxnn36rQW
Parents of children attending Britain's elite private school Eton are rushing to prepay fees of at least £50,000 per year before a tax hike planned by the Labour Party https://t.co/oS3u580wsm
Opinion | School of hard knocks Labour’s pledge to add 20% VAT to private school fees is unusual, in that it encourages strong emotions 🖋 @olyduff https://t.co/EBa56yzqOv
Labour's VAT raid on private schools could hit as early as September, party's shadow education secretary confirms https://t.co/J7PakdozeD https://t.co/U7ia9a9PDg
Message to Labour: don’t tax school fees. Make private schools work for the public good | Simon Jenkins https://t.co/SBGxqhVbOm
🔴 Labour to shut loophole in VAT raid on private school fees https://t.co/gwvRlnfOzk
Every time and everywhere Labour have had power, children's education standards have plummeted. Their Schools Tax would increase state school class sizes, slash our SEND provision and cost taxpayers money. Shameful politics of envy. https://t.co/dmGqhSlvNP
Labour not ruling out tax hike from THIS September... Bridget Phillipson tells Ballots: "private schools have had ample notice as to the change that a Labour government would bring." READ: https://t.co/qA8kezDqBJ WATCH: https://t.co/I8igyR0FUX
Let’s talk schools: Labour’s VAT policy could spell disaster https://t.co/WnqHsxxA7l
Labour doubles down on Bangladesh comment... And will not rule out taxing private school fees as soon as THIS September- despite concerns of of pressure on state places. https://t.co/I8igyR0FUX
Opinion | I’ve been headteacher at state and private schools – Labour’s VAT plan will be destructive 🖋️ No one – on any side – wants more turbulence, writes David Benson https://t.co/ylDE7U3WAa