Recent data shows Sir Keir Starmerʼs private-school VAT plan created bigger waves than expected: over 3000 students asked to switch to state schools in summer-2024 (which is way more than governments initial guess)
The Independent Schools Council found that another 2500 kids plan to leave when the new 20-pct fee increase starts in early-2025; their survey checked about 900 schools which shows a real shift in education choices
Areas around London got hit hardest with these changes:
- Harrow got 167 transfer asks
- Surrey saw 161 requests
- West Sussex had 131 applications
- Edinburgh received 151 inquiries
The Treasury thought only 3000 students would move during whole 2024-25 school year - but new info from 124 local councils shows thats already wrong. If you count all 207 education areas in Britain‚ the real number could be above 5000 transfers
Some places are having real problems fitting everyone in: Ealing council told parents of teens studying for GCSEs “it is not advisable to transfer schools“ because they cant guarantee same subject choices or keep coursework
The Governments expectations on pupil movement have underestimated how much pressure VAT will place on schools and parents alike
Neil OBrien MP thinks its a big problem: “Labours ideologically driven education tax will cause lots of problems for parents and for state schools too“ - he wants government to think about kids with special needs before its too late