How can independent schools continue to facilitate student social mobility and inclusivity in the face of implementation of VAT to fees? Principal the Stephen Perse Foundation, Richard Girvan, discusses the importance of ensuring financial barriers do not hinder students’ access to education.
The government’s decision to charge VAT on independent school fees has sparked a heated conversation around social mobility and inclusivity in education.
From this month (January) fees for education services, including boarding, will be charged with additional VAT at 20 per cent. Then, from April, those independent schools registered as charities (around half of independent schools in the UK) will no longer be eligible to claim charitable business rates relief. The challenge is compounded by higher employer National Insurance rates and a lower earnings threshold affecting all schools – teaching and support staff salaries form the majority of operating costs.