ISC CEO: 'Fees in advance schemes are perfectly legitimate'
The Financial Times reports that a number of UK independent schools have started to more prominently advertise advance payment schemes amid Labour's plans to add VAT to school fees.
According to the paper, at least eight small and less well-known independent schools appear to have either introduced new plans or have begun promoting their existing schemes. Chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC) Julie Robinson responded, saying: "Fees in advance schemes are perfectly legitimate and have been used for a number of reasons over the years — for example, when a family has been left a legacy." Ms Robinson added that schools have been advised that advance payments should not be marketed as a tax loophole.