Parents of students with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) are expressing alarm over the government’s plan to introduce a 20% VAT on private school fees starting January 2025. Many fear that this increase will jeopardize crucial support for their children. Rebecca, a mother of three from Somerset, stated that the new fees feel “unfair” and are financially overwhelming. She added, “If they can guarantee my child will get the help they need at a state school, I have no problem. But they can’t.”
The government maintains that the VAT increase is necessary to enhance education for the 93% of pupils who do not attend private institutions. A spokesperson mentioned that families of children with an Education, Health, and Care Plan (EHCP) would have their private school fees covered by local authorities and would be able to reclaim the VAT. However, the reality for many SEND pupils is stark; not all qualify for EHCPs, forcing parents to cover the costs themselves to ensure their children receive adequate support.
At schools like Westonbirt in Gloucestershire and Wellington in Somerset, parents have voiced concerns about the impending financial burden. Rebecca, whose children do not have EHCPs, anticipates an additional £9,000 a year on top of the current £60,000 fees. She fears her youngest child, who has a neurodiverse condition, could end up in residential care without the stability and attention provided by Wellington School, especially given past bullying experiences her son faced at a state school.
Leaders at Westonbirt School reported losing three to four pupils directly due to the VAT hike, highlighting the significant impact on schools catering to SEND students, who represent a third of their population. Headteacher Natasha Dangerfield expressed the need for better collaboration with local authorities to provide bursaries instead of imposing financial strains.
Another mother, Henny, described her situation as manageable but concerning. She noted that rising costs are limiting her ability to expand her marketing agency, where profits are often reinvested into her dyslexic children’s education. Despite her efforts to secure spots at alternative state schools, she has found little success.
Recent polling from Ipsos indicates that 55% of Britons support Labour’s plan to impose VAT on private schools, with only 19% opposed. Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer has emphasized the importance of funding 6,500 new teachers in the state sector, underscoring his commitment to improving educational opportunities for all children. A government spokesperson reiterated the aim to provide every child with the best chance for success, linking the VAT measure to necessary funding for educational priorities.
