Rise in enquires to move kids out of private school

Mark Woodlock is head of Somerset's biggest state school and has welcomed the extra funding from the VAT rise

There has been a rise in parents enquiring about moving their children out of private schools and into state schools, according to Somerset Council.

The authority has experienced an increase since the Labour government announced VAT at 20% will be added to private school fees from January 2025.

The government says the money generated will go into funding about 6,500 new state school teachers.

Mark Woodlock, who is the headteacher of Well's Blue School, said: "Any government policy that is likely to result in an increase in funding in state school education has got to be a good thing."

"There is a balance to be had here and I think that balance is in favour of trying to make sure the vast majority of children - 95% or whatever it is - who attend a state school get the best education that they possibly can," said Mr Woodlock, who is head at the biggest state school in Somerset.

But the Independent Schools Council, which represents private schools, said some parents are "very concerned" and could have to move their children midway through an academic year.

Alex Battison is head of the fee-paying Wellington School and says some parents will struggle with the increased costs

The council said its admissions team has had an increase in enquiries from parents about moving their child from a private to a state school since June 2024.

It has not revealed exact numbers or how many parents have actually decided to make the switch.

Private schools in Somerset account for 4.2% [13 out of 305] of schools.

The council did say it has a duty to make sure there are enough places in the state school sector in Somerset to deal with any potential increase in students.

'I can't afford a 40% increase'

Janet Moffat from Somerset pays for her granddaughters to go to a local private school using her inheritance from her mother.

She now believes "by the time they get to senior school, it will no longer be feasible".

"I can't afford a 40% increase - I'd have to take the money out of my own income and I'm a pensioner.

"I feel very strongly that this VAT increase is going to affect a lot of people in our community - the school employs a lot of people and might have to close," Mrs Moffat added.

Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council said some parents are "reconsidering the best school for their child".

"Parents who are already committed and their children are settled in school, now that they're facing VAT suddenly in January, in the middle of the year, they're re-evaluating their plans and they're very, very concerned about whether they might need to move during the year or at the end of the academic year," she said.

Head of the private Wellington School Alex Battison said his Somerset school has been making "cost savings" over the last few years so will be able to pass on approximately 15% of the VAT to parents.

'Children do exceptionally well'

Mr Woodlock urged concerned private school parents to speak to their local state school.

"Talk to the headteacher about places and about the quality of education.

"Good students who are well-supported by parents will do well in most settings.

"We have plenty of children who do exceptionally well in the state sector," he said.

A Department for Education spokesperson said: "Ending tax breaks on private schools will raise revenue that will be invested back into essential public services, so every child gets the best start in life."