Independent schools’ VAT challenge to be heard in April

The legal challenge to the government’s policy to place VAT on independent school fees will be heard in the High Court between 1 and 3 April. Six families supported by the Independent Schools Council (ISC) will be represented in the case.

The claim highlights that the introduction of VAT in January is already forcing families to weigh up their options. The claimants include families representing SEND faith bilingual and girls-only education.

The ISC is also concerned about the wider impact of the policy across independent education which it explains in detailed evidence in support of the claim. Lord Pannick KC who is leading the case will argue that the introduction of VAT impedes access to education at independent schools and is incompatible with the right to education guaranteed by Article 2 of the First Protocol of the European Convention on Human...