Conservative MP for Northampton South Andrew Lewer asked the House of Commons to consider independent school fees and VAT, which prompted a debate that was held yesterday.

Introducing the debate, Mr Lewer said: "Why is it that the sector often gets bad press, despite its contribution to society both economically and educationally? For many people, when they hear the terms 'independent school' or 'private school', they immediately associate them with elitism, isolation and privilege. Nothing could be further from the truth. Independent schools today are modern, diverse and inclusive places that often provide education and specialist provision where the state sector does not go. Furthermore, independent schools are more connected to society now than ever before, working with the state sector in partnerships and widening access through bursaries."

Congratulating Mr Lewer on securing the debate, Dr Neil Hudson, Conservative MP for Penrith and The Border, asked: "Does my hon. Friend agree that the short-sighted Labour policy on VAT on independent schools will compromise these schools, force some parents to take their children out of them, and ultimately put more pressure on our local state schools?"

Following the lengthy discussion, which can be read in full at Hansard, Mr Lewer concluded: "I am delighted that so many colleagues have been able to pick up so many key points. The point about special educational needs that was made by several colleagues is particularly potent, and I shall certainly try to take that up in my ongoing work as chair of the all-party parliamentary group on independent education."

Mr Lewer also put on record: "My thanks to the Independent Schools Council and its superb chief executive Julie Robinson, not only for the tireless campaigning that it does for the independent education sector but for its work as the secretariat for the all-party parliamentary group on independent education." 

The Labour Party has confirmed that ELT schools will not be affected by plans to impose VAT on independent school fees. In response to a letter from English UK, the national association of English language centres in the UK, the party said: “English Language Schools, if not registered as independent schools with the Department of Education, would not be affected." Welcoming the news, chief executive of English UK Jodie Gray said: “This is great news for the sector and proves how crucial it is that members are involved in our campaigning work." By Sophie Hogan, The Pie News. 

GCSE grades are a good way of predicting the life chances and wellbeing of young adults, research by academics from the universities of Leeds and York has found. While those with strong GCSE results also did well in terms of university entry and career progression, the results were particularly marked for those from disadvantaged backgrounds. By Richard Adams, The Guardian.

A Schools Week investigation suggests the rate at which pupils left the classroom for home education doubled last year, with significant increases in some of the country’s most deprived areas. Analysis of freedom of information data from approximately two thirds of councils indicates that around 140,000 pupils nationally were home educated at some point in 2022-23, an increase of 12 per cent on the 125,000 the year before. By Freddie Whittaker.

More than a third of parents eligible for the government's new childcare scheme are thinking of leaving their jobs or reducing working hours amid concerns they will be worse off due to increasing nursery costs, according to a survey by campaign group Pregnant Then Screwed. The research found costs for childcare and top-up fees are increasing for the majority of families, meaning any cost savings from the new scheme will be lower than parents expected. By Aasma Day, iNews.

More than a third of pupils across Scotland have been diagnosed with additional support needs (ASN) while many children are still being taught in “corridors and cupboards”, MSPs have heard. The number of children with ASN has doubled in a decade and the rate is as high as 50 per cent among secondary pupils in some areas, such as Edinburgh. By Max Kendix, The Times.

A study commissioned by the Royal Shakespeare Company has found that a “rehearsal room” approach to teaching Shakespeare improves children’s vocabulary and the complexity of their writing as well as their emotional literacy. By David Sanderson, The Times.

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