VAT on fees: Many parents 'just cannot afford this increase', ISC CEO warns

Posted on: 15 Nov 2024

Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has warned that thousands of children are expected to leave the independent sector at Christmas owing to VAT being introduced in the middle of the school year.

Speaking to the Financial Times, Ms Robinson said: “Heads are already telling us that parents are giving notice to remove their children in January. The fact children are moving mid-year shows you how many just cannot afford this increase. We weren’t bluffing about the impact this would have on parents already making huge sacrifices.”