Private schools say drop in enrolments mainly due to impending VAT on fees

Julie Robinson, the ISC's chief executive, stated, "This data couldn't be clearer: parents are already removing their children from independent schools as a result of the government's plans to charge parents VAT. This is just the tip of the iceberg and the knock-on effect on schools is significant, with many small schools already at risk of closure."

The ISC's data indicated that the 1.7% fall in independent school enrolments could translate to over 10,000 additional children in state schools, costing the Department for Education about 80 million in England, further straining the current educational system.

Luke Sibieta from the IFS explained, 'The decline in the birthrate meant private school rolls were likely to fall even without the addition of VAT, which could lead to a substantial transition from private to state education over time.'

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