Parents Increasingly Bend Rules to Secure Spots in Top UK State Schools

A survey reveals rising numbers of parents falsifying addresses and religious beliefs to access competitive schools, driven partly by Labour's VAT policy on private education.

A Zoopla survey found that 28% of parents admitted to lying or bending rules to get their children into top state schools, up from 24% in 2022.
The trend is linked to Labour's recent 20% VAT on private school fees, which has pushed more students into the state sector, increasing competition for placements.
Common tactics include faking home addresses within catchment areas and exaggerating religious observance, with 30% and 25% of parents, respectively, admitting to these practices.
In London, where competition for school spots is highest, 38% of parents reported resorting to dishonest measures, such as temporarily renting properties in desired areas.
Parents who follow the rules face significant financial burdens, with homebuyers paying an average premium of £65,333 for properties near top schools, rising to £115,750 in London.