Impact of VAT on Independent Schools

The discussion highlights the significant repercussions of imposing VAT and business rates on independent schools, particularly small institutions catering to families from modest backgrounds. For example, Emmanuel Christian School in Leicester, which operates on minimal fees of £220 per month, faces existential threats from a potential 20% fee increase due to these new policies. Such schools, often run with idealism and limited resources, are likely to pass these costs onto parents who may struggle to afford the raised fees, potentially leading to closures. Many of these schools serve specific religious communities—Christian, Jewish, and Muslim—making their survival crucial for maintaining diverse educational options for families choosing smaller settings over larger state institutions.