Lords debates the contribution of independent schools

A group of students in a school classroom facing away from the camera. One student in the centre has raised their hand

On Thursday 5 September, members of the House of Lords debated the contribution of independent schools, and possible impacts of changes to the VAT exemption for independent school fees.

Debate

Lord Lexden (Conservative), President of the Independent Schools Association, put forward the debate.

This was a general debate. During debates, members put their experience to use to discuss current issues and draw the government's attention to concerns.     

Members speaking

Contributing members included:

Lord Black of Brentwood (Conservative), president of the Boarding Schools' Association
Lord Davies of Brixton (Labour), former leader of the Inner London Education Authority
Baroness Garden of Frognal (Liberal Democrat), former school teacher
Lord Hampton (Crossbench), head of design and technology at the Mossbourne Community Academy.

Opening the debate, Lord Lexden said:

‘It is far from certain that, by slapping VAT on school fees, the government will get anywhere near the £1.5 billion they seek to create new teachers for state schools. The additional resources that state schools will need to teach more pupils could absorb much of the revenue gained from the VAT charge.’

Baroness Garden said:

‘Introducing such a significant measure in January will bring great unnecessary stress…I join the appeal to the Minister at the very least to postpone this until September, which will also give the chance for proper scrutiny and impact assessment.’

Baroness Smith of Malvern (Labour) Minister of State at the Department for Education, responded on behalf of the government:

‘We are determined in government to drive up standards in those schools for the overwhelming majority of the children in this country, so that they may receive the opportunities that, too often, have been the preserve of the rich and the lucky.

‘Most children are educated in the state sector and that is where we must target our support and resources most. We will work closely with schools and local authorities to make the implementation of the new tax rules as smooth as possible.’