VAT on private school fees has not caused pupil exodus, says Bridget Phillipson

Education secretary cites admissions data for England since tax imposed showing falling applications to state sector

Adding VAT to private school fees has failed to trigger an exodus of pupils into the state sector despite widespread speculation that it would, the education secretary, Bridget Phillipson, has said.

The Labour government applied 20% VAT to private school fees from the start of 2025. They had previously been exempt from the tax. Newly published admissions data for England showed there had been no influx towards state schools since then.