French School in London Rallies Against UK's Private Education VAT Plan
Parents at Lycée Charles de Gaulle express concerns over potential 20% VAT on school fees. The move could impact London's appeal to foreign diplomats and professionals, potentially leading to an exodus of international families.
In a recent development, the Lycée Charles de Gaulle, a prominent French school in London's South Kensington, has mobilized its parent community to voice concerns over the UK government's proposed 20% VAT on private school fees. This initiative, spearheaded by Karen Bargues, president of the school's parents' association, aims to highlight the potential ramifications of this policy on international families and cultural diversity in the British capital.
The Lycée Charles de Gaulle, established in 1915, is the oldest and largest of ten French schools in London overseen by the French Ministry of National Education. With approximately 3,500 students, it offers a bilingual curriculum from nursery to sixth form, preparing pupils for both French and British qualifications.
Parents and diplomats are expressing apprehension about the financial implications of the VAT proposal. The French Embassy in London has communicated its concerns to the British government, emphasizing the unique nature of these schools. Unlike typical private institutions, French schools in London receive significant funding from the French government, including teacher salaries.
Comparatively, the Lycée Charles de Gaulle charges £9,306 annually for secondary pupils, substantially less than other international schools like the British School of Paris, where fees start at £26,000. This discrepancy is attributed to the French government's financial support.
The potential VAT implementation has sparked discussions about London's attractiveness for foreign professionals. Federico Bianchi, head of press and public diplomacy for the EU's Delegation in the UK, notes:
Despite these concerns, the Labour government remains committed to its policy. A spokesperson stated, "Ending tax breaks on private schools will help to raise the revenue needed to fund our education priorities for next year, such as recruiting 6,500 new teachers."
The situation has led some international schools to target British parents with alternative options. The International School of Bremen in Germany, for instance, has advertised to UK parents "worried about VAT on school fees," promising potential savings.
As the debate continues, the Lycée Charles de Gaulle community awaits clarity on the financial implications. The school, known for its cultural events and strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, faces an uncertain future that could potentially impact its role in fostering French heritage and international diversity in London.
