Private Schools Launch Legal Challenge Against VAT on Fees

The Independent Schools Council is suing the UK government over a new VAT policy, claiming it violates human rights and threatens educational choice.

The 20% VAT on private school fees, set to begin in January 2025, is expected to raise £460 million next year and up to £1.7 billion by 2029.
The Independent Schools Council (ISC) argues the policy undermines the right to education and disproportionately impacts small, faith-based, and special needs schools.
The government predicts that around 37,000 students will leave private schools, with many moving to state schools, potentially costing the Treasury £300 million.
Military families will receive an increased Continuity of Education Allowance, but concerns remain about the financial burden due to rising fees.
Critics argue that the policy could exacerbate inequalities by forcing more students into the already strained state school system.