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last mo.

High Court Hears Final Arguments in Legal Challenge to VAT on Private School Fees

Parents and schools argue the tax is discriminatory and violates human rights, while the government defends it as a key revenue measure.

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Children and parents from independent schools protested at the High Court on Tuesday
Loveena Tandon, spokesperson for Education Not Taxation, and Leanne Gunns and her son Charlie (Photo: The i Paper)

Overview

  • The UK High Court is reviewing legal challenges against the 20% VAT on private school fees, with hearings set to conclude Thursday and a decision to follow later.
  • Claimants, including parents of children with special educational needs (SEN), argue the policy breaches human rights and disproportionately impacts vulnerable families.
  • The Treasury defends the tax as a necessary measure to generate £1.5 to £1.7 billion annually for state education funding, emphasizing parental choice in education.
  • Critics warn the policy could force thousands of students, including those with SEN, into an already overburdened state school system.
  • Families report making significant financial sacrifices, such as working extra hours or remortgaging homes, to keep children in private schools.