Mother hits out at private school fees VAT hike

Naomi Keegan has received backlash after sharing her concerns online

A mother has said the forthcoming hike in private education costs has turned her family's lives "upside down".

Naomi Keegan and her husband, from Devon, said they looked at private education because their son with special educational needs and their daughter weren’t thriving at their state schools.

Putting both children in to independent schools has left the family finances stretched, while she said the changes to the VAT rules that come into effect in January will add about £8000 to their combined fees.

“Having found places that are suitable for them it feels like having the rug pulled out from under our feet", said Mrs Keegan.

She added: “It wasn’t our intention to go to independent schools at the outset, but both of our children were not happy in their settings."

'I’m worried'

The government plans to use the money raised by scrapping the 20% VAT exemption on private school fees to enhance state sector education across the UK.

Mrs Keegan is deciding whether or not her family can afford to keep their children in private education.

She said: “I’m worried about the future, I’m worried about what it means for us as a family, I’m worried that the children, having gone through the pandemic and having all those upheavals potentially now face having it all over again."

She added: "It’s not what anyone would want for their child.”

'So hostile'

Mrs Keegan said she has received backlash from the public after sharing her concerns online.

“It’s frightening to speak out on social media", she said.

"It’s frightening to say anything at all because there is that constant fear of being judged.

"Some of the comments particularly on social media that come back are so hostile, but at the end of the day it’s our kids, it’s our lives that are being turned upside down by this.”

A government spokesperson said: “We want to ensure all children have the best chance in life to succeed.

"Ending tax breaks on private schools will help to raise the revenue needed to fund our education priorities for next year, such as recruiting 6,500 new teachers."