Sir Ed Davey has criticised Labour's VAT on fees policy and warned that it could force some specialist schools to close, increasing pressure on state schools. He said: “The Liberal Democrats are very worried about this idea from the Labour government and we will be voting against it. It's so poorly thought through.” The Liberal Democrat leader continued: "It also means that some of the some of the private schools that could close are specialist schools looking after children with special educational needs and disabilities. I'm quite astonished that the government seems to want to penalise those schools, so it's the wrong decision." Chief executive of the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) Donna Stevens echoed Sir Ed’s concerns, highlighting the potential erosion of choice, particularly in areas with limited access to all-girls' state schools. In comments to the media at the GSA’s annual conference, Ms Stevens called Labour’s policy a “step backwards for equality” as she said girls’ schools improve pupils’ life chances and “break glass ceilings”. By Toby Oliver, Oxford Mail.
Independent School Management interviews Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), about the government's VAT on fees policy, her own career path and the challenges facing schools today. In the comprehensive discussion, Ms Robinson urges independent sector colleagues to prepare for the January deadline and reiterates the importance of clear communication with parents. She says: “The VAT on fees policy poses a very real threat to schools, and it is important to bring attention to those most at risk under the policy while challenging harmful stereotypes about independent schools and the families that use them. It is also important that we do not create divisions between state and independent schools. All types of school have value across the education ecosystem, serving the children in their care." By Ian Allsop.
Writing in Schools Week, employment partner and education specialist at Shakespeare Martineau Esther Maxwell says that although the Budget provided some clarity, many schools have unanswered questions over funding. Referencing Labour's tax policy, she says: "There is no doubt that the impact of the introduction of VAT on private school fees will have sweeping consequences for pupils, parents, schools (both independent and state) and local authorities... [state] schools which are popular and already over-subscribed will face added pressure on admissions, with competition set to get even fiercer."
In a written question in the Scottish Parliament, MSP for West Scotland Pam Gosal asked what assessment ministers have made of the potential impact of the UK government's VAT on fees policy on the closure of independent schools in Scotland.
Responding, cabinet secretary for education and skills Jenny Gilruth said: "Officials have met with education leads in the local authorities expecting to be most affected to understand their assessment of the potential move of pupils to the state sector. We have also sought assurance from local authorities that they have the capacity to support pupils in the event of an independent school closing. I have met with the Scottish Council [of] Independent Schools and officials will continue to engage with them directly, following this policy change from the UK Government." The Scottish Parliament.
More than two in three teachers believe the impact of social media on children is the most striking challenge in girls’ schools, according to research by the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) and ImpactEd. The study, which surveyed teachers, parents, alumnae, and pupils from 165 girls' schools in the UK and Australia, explored the benefits and challenges of girls-only education. Among 560 teachers, most with co-ed or boys' school experience, 67 per cent identified social media as the biggest challenge in girls' schools. Commenting on the survey findings, GSA chief executive Donna Stevens said: “I think what they’re really saying is that social media is most impactful for girls full stop. Not just girls’ schools, but it would then follow because you’ve got all girls together.” By Eleanor Busby, The Independent.
School staff have noted a rise in disruptive behaviour and abuse from pupils and their families, with leadership stress continuing to be "chronic and acute," research by Education Support suggests. Schools Week summarises the key findings of the charity's annual wellbeing index report and outlines a number of subsequent recommendations, which include the urgent funding of provision for children with SEND. By Freddie Whittaker.
Serious youth violence in England is widespread and not confined to particular ethnic or demographic groups, according to a joint report by school, police and probation inspectors. Children as young as 11 were found to be carrying knives for protection, prompting calls for careful early intervention to reduce youth violence. Sir Martyn Oliver, the chief inspector of Ofsted, said “urgent action is needed now” to keep children safe. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.
