On 29 July, the new Labour Government announced its intention to introduce 20% VAT on school fees for all independent schools from 1 January 2025 and remove the relief on business rates, which will come into force in April 2025. The exact details of this policy are still being consulted by the government until 15 September, and the final details may not be announced until the Autumn budget in October. This is a pressing issue that requires our immediate attention.
This is going to greatly impact our six independent schools. We had hoped that this would not come into effect so soon and that there may be some exemptions for smaller schools, but it seems that the policy is going ahead in its entirety as soon as possible. The potential consequences for our schools are significant and concerning.
We wish to bring this to the attention of church members and request your help securing our schools' future. There has been attendance at various meetings called by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) (the body that oversees all independent schools) involving other organisations such as Christian Schools' Trust (CST), Independent Schools Bursars Association (ISBA), Independent Schools Association (ISA) with representation from leaders of other faith schools. Various joint letters have been sent to government officials explaining the implications for small independent schools, seeking some concession. We await a reply.
With the uncertainty of the exact details of the policy the church is attempting to make tentative arrangements, where possible. We are seeking professional advice from VAT consultants and exploring all ways of ensuring that the impact is minimised as much as possible. This will be a challenging time for all our schools.
Ways in which you can voice your concern to the government:
Respond to the ongoing petition below.
Use the link below:
https://www.change.org/p/stop-labour-from-adding-20-vat-to-private-school-fees-and-forcing-kids-to-change-schools or scan the QR code.
To date, over 205,000 people have registered their concerns, which means that the policy will be subject to review in parliament. Do announce this in your church and send the link to others to support the petition.
You can write to your local MP.
Express your concern about its impact on small schools, particularly if the school is in your electoral ward. This will raise the profile of our schools, bringing it to the attention of the local government/council. See MP details listed below. A sample letter can be made available on request from Lorraine McDonald, lmcdonald@adventist.uk
School | Area | Local MP (L = Labour, C = Conservative, Lib Dem = LD) |
Dudley House | Grantham | Gareth Davies (gareth.davies.mp@parliament.uk) (C) |
Fletewood School | Plymouth | Luke Pollard (luke.pollard.mp@parliament.uk) (L) |
Newbold School | Bracknell Forest | Joshua Reynolds (joshua.reynolds.mp@parliament.uk) (LD) |
Hyland House | London (Tottenham) | David Lammy (david.lammy.mp@parliament.uk) (L) |
Stanborough Primary | Watford | Matt Turmaine (matt.turmaine.mp@parliament.uk) (L) |
Stanborough Sec | Watford | Matt Turmaine (matt.turmaine.mp@parliament.uk) (L) |
Respond to the consultation.
The draft policy and technical note can be found at: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees-removing-the-charitable-rates-relief-for-private-schools
We intend to continue providing values-driven, Christian education, which we know is why many parents and carers have made sacrifices and chosen to send their child(ren) to our schools. Thank you for entrusting them into our care.
Pray for God's intervention.
As a church, we will pray corporately for God's guidance and leading and claim His promises. "All your children shall be taught by the LORD, and great shall be the peace of your children" Isaiah 54:13.
