In a major update, the UK High Court has ruled that the government can add 20% VAT (Value Added Tax) to private school fees. This Breaking News has gained attention across the country, especially from parents and private schools who tried to stop the tax through legal action. The court dismissed their efforts, saying that this change is one of the few benefits the UK got after leaving the European Union (EU).
Brexit Gave the UK New Powers
The judges said that, while the UK was part of the EU, it was not allowed to add VAT to private school fees. Now that the UK has left the EU (a move known as Brexit), the government has more freedom to make decisions like this. In their written statement, the judges said this tax is an example of how Brexit gave the UK more control over its own rules and policies.
Why the Government Added VAT to School Fees
The new VAT rule was part of the Labour Party’s 2024 general election promise. It officially started in January 2025. According to the government, the money raised from the 20% VAT will help hire 6,500 new teachers for state schools. This is part of their plan to improve public education and make sure every child in the UK has access to better learning.
Parents and Schools Challenged the Decision
Some parents and private schools did not agree with this new tax. They said it would:
- Make private school too expensive.
- Limit parental choice.
- Affect children with special educational needs.
- Interfere with their religious freedom, especially for families who send their children to Christian schools.
However, the judges said that while these are serious concerns, the government has the right to make tough choices to improve education for the majority. They also said the current state school system already struggles to help over 1 million children with special needs.
Court Says No Law Was Broken
The court agreed that the VAT addition may affect some people’s rights, but it did not break any laws. The judges said the European Convention on Human Rights does not guarantee a right to private education. Parents have the right to open a private school or choose one, but the state is not required to make it easier or cheaper for parents to send their children there—even for religious reasons.
Mixed Reactions from Legal and Education Experts
Robert Lewis, a lawyer from the Mishcon de Reya law firm, said the result was expected. He explained that the tax was already voted on in Parliament and was part of a democratic process. Still, he noted that the court made it clear that completely banning private schools would go against human rights laws.
Julie Robinson, CEO of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), said this is an “unprecedented tax on education.” She believes the court did the right thing by carefully checking whether the tax is fair and legal. The ISC says it will review the court’s decision and think about what steps to take next.
Possible Appeal on Religious Grounds
The Christian Legal Centre, which helped some parents bring the case, said it plans to support an appeal. They argue that the VAT unfairly affects parents who choose Christian education for their children. They say this is discrimination against religious freedom.
This ruling is a major moment in UK education policy. While many welcome the extra money for state schools, others worry that private education is becoming harder to access for average families.
As this story continues to develop, stay tuned for more Daily news highlights and updates on how this change might affect both independent and state school systems.
