No Surge in State School Applications Following VAT Increase on Private School Fees

Recent data from local councils in England indicates that the introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees has not resulted in a predicted influx of students into the state school system. Critics, including former Chancellor Jeremy Hunt, had warned that this policy could lead to a mass exodus of up to 90,000 children, but applications for state secondary schools have remained stable or even improved in some areas. For example, in London, the proportion of families receiving their first choice of secondary school increased to 71.6%. Councils in Surrey also reported a modest rise in applications from independent school students, but no significant impact on overall admissions. The government asserts that the fears surrounding school place shortages have not materialized, suggesting that families who can afford private schooling are likely to absorb the increased costs. This outcome raises questions about the effectiveness of the VAT policy in reshaping educational choices among wealthier families, as the anticipated shift towards state schools has not occurred.