ISC CEO urges ministers to reconsider VAT policy amid concerns for pupils receiving SEND support

Posted on: 27 Sept 2024

ISC CEO Julie Robinson has raised significant concerns regarding Labour's VAT policy, particularly its implications for children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) at independent schools across the North West of England.

Speaking to BBC News in a discussion highlighting the VAT policy's potential effect on schools in the North West of England, Ms Robinson said it would "disrupt education for thousands of pupils", and that she is "particularly concerned for what it might mean for students receiving SEND support".

Ms Robinson added: "A rushed January implementation will exacerbate these issues and we are calling on the government to at least delay implementation to allow VAT to come in in line with the academic year and school admissions cycles."