If we have to, in the short term, have larger classes, we have larger classes

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Although the impact of adding VAT to private school fees – also known as independent schools – is unknown, the IFS estimates that the tax could cause a 3-7% reduction in private school attendance – about 17,000 to 40,000 children. However, the IFS report also says that pupil numbers across England are due to decline by at least 100,000 per year on average up to 2030, due to falling birth rates. This figure is broadly supported by Government education statistics, which show an expected drop of more than 625,000 pupils between 2023 and 2030 in state primary and secondary schools – only slightly below the total number of private school pupils. Therefore, it is unlikely that state school class sizes will increase as a result of adding VAT to private school fees.

Reviewed by PA Media ↗ · June 12, 2024