Private school tax change puts girls education at risk, top head warns
Government plans to add VAT on private-school fees from next year face strong opposition from education leaders. Head of girls schools group points out possible harm to students educational options
In a recent meeting of school leaders Alex Hutchinson‚ president of Girls Schools Association made strong statements about new tax rules. The governments plan to add VAT on private-school fees (starting in two months) might limit education choices for many young women
The policy which adds 20% tax to private education costs is facing push-back from school heads: its causing problems for families with special-needs children and those seeking girls-only education. Mrs Hutchinson who leads James Allens Girls School thinks this quick change forces hard choices on working parents
We are at a defining moment in girls education. Girls schools play a pivotal role in creating a more equitable world – the very foundations of GSA are based on civic duty
The financial impact looks serious; schools currently give £146-million yearly for fee help. The Treasury thinks fees will go up by 10% making about:
- 35‚000 students move to state schools
- 2‚000 pupils choose overseas education or home-schooling
- £1.7-billion extra money for government by 2029
Rachel Reeves‚ the Chancellor confirmed these changes last month. In response Independent Schools Council started legal steps against this decision – a move that Hutchinson calls a “powerful moment“
Speaking to 150 school heads Hutchinson also defended todays students against wrong ideas. She says young people are not snowflakes or perma-kids; theyʼre smart world-aware citizens who can change society and tech in good ways
