In a bold move, two Bedford Borough MPs have written to the Education Secretary, Bridget Phillipson MP, urging her to reconsider one of the newly proposed Labour Government policies, which they argue could adversely affect the educational prospects of Bedfordshire’s pupils.

Concerns Over VAT on Private School Fees

Conservative MPs Blake Stephenson (Mid Bedfordshire) and Richard Fuller (North Bedfordshire) are voicing strong opposition to Labour’s plans to impose VAT on private school fees. According to the MPs, this policy could lead to a significant reduction in the number of Bedfordshire pupils who secure their first-choice state school places.

The current strain on the secondary school system has been well-documented, with the system already described as “effectively full”. This was confirmed by the portfolio holder for education at Bedford Borough Council, Cllr Jane Walker (Conservative), during a meeting on 19 June where she stated that there were “very, very limited places in our secondary schools”.

Impact on State School Class Sizes

Source: https://www.bedfordindependent.co.uk/local-mps-call-on-government-to-re-think-education-tax/

The MPs voiced concerns over potential increases in class sizes within local state schools if more pupils transition from private and independent sectors to the state system. They argue that such shifts could negatively impact both current students and newcomers to the state education system. Increased class sizes could damage the quality of education and hinder the attainment of students.

Despite these warnings, research conducted by the Bedford Independent suggests that fears surrounding a post-election collapse of private school admissions in Bedford may be exaggerated. A spokesperson for the Harpur Trust, which manages several prominent local schools including Bedford School and Bedford Girls' School, indicated that there has been no noticeable change in admission numbers. They noted that it is too early to determine the impact of the proposed plans.

Similarly, sources from a state primary school in the Borough reported unaffected admission figures for the upcoming academic year 2024/25.

Future State School Capacities

Earlier this year, the Department for Education approved a new secondary school in Bedford Borough to be managed by Advantage Schools. Set to open in 2027, this institution aims to provide an additional 750 state school places, easing some of the pressure on the local education system.

Political Reactions and Statements

Blake Stephenson MP, grounding his concerns in his role as a local School Governor, expressed the anxiety felt by parents regarding Labour’s proposed Education Tax. He reaffirmed his commitment to advocating against the policy, prioritising the interests of local constituents.

Richard Fuller MP added his perspective, emphasising the unique challenges Bedfordshire faces due to the proposed tax. He criticised the policy for potentially penalising parents who make sacrifices, such as foregoing family holidays, to invest in their children’s education. Fuller warned that this tax could exacerbate classroom overcrowding, making it harder for Bedfordshire children to excel.

The Government's Stance

Chancellor Rachel Reeves recently announced that the Government would implement a 20 percent VAT charge on private education and boarding schools starting January 2025. The estimated £1.5 billion generated from this tax is earmarked for state sector investments, including the recruitment of 6,500 teachers.

However, the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has raised alarms about the potential repercussions, citing the possibility of school closures. Sarah Cunnane of the ISC conveyed significant concerns about the policy’s impact, predicting inevitable closures and subsequent disruptions to the education of thousands of children.

As the debate continues, the future implications of the proposed VAT on private school fees remain uncertain. Local MPs and stakeholders are calling for careful consideration of the policy’s broader educational and social impacts.