A coalition of parents with children in Christian schools has decided to take legal action against the government over the introduction of VAT on private school tuition fees.
Supported by the Christian Legal Centre (CLC), these thirteen parents contend that the new tax policy is an infringement of their legal rights and is therefore unlawful.
Concerns from Parents and Educators
Among the institutions involved in this legal challenge are several prominent educational establishments, including Emmanuel School in Derby, the Branch Christian School in Yorkshire, The King’s School in Hampshire, and Wyclif Independent Christian School in South Wales.
One parent, Stephen White, voiced his concerns about the recent VAT implementation that began on January 1.
He believes this tax reinforces the stereotype that private schools cater exclusively to wealthy families, which he insists is a flawed perception.
Residing in a less privileged part of Bradford, White chose a private Christian school for his four children specifically to avoid the growing secular influence seen in both state and Church of England schools.
Criticizing the government’s stance, he described it as unfair and discriminatory, noting that he may now need to consider the option of homeschooling.
Caroline Santer, head of The King’s School, raised alarms about the ramifications of VAT alongside the removal of relief rates for charitable private institutions.
She pointed out that a substantial number of families that choose her school are genuinely seeking an education grounded in Christian principles.
Many of these families include single parents who depend on Universal Credit, often making significant financial sacrifices to enroll their children.
Santer highlighted that The King’s School caters to over 230 students aged between 4 and 16, a considerable number of whom have special needs.
She warned that the costs from the VAT cannot be absorbed by the school and will ultimately impact the families financially.
Impact on School Sustainability
Santer further emphasized her fears that introducing VAT could jeopardize the school’s sustainability, as its families generally do not belong to affluent backgrounds and might struggle under increased financial pressure.
This already burdensome situation has led some parents to withdraw their children from the school.
Emmanuel School’s headteacher, Ben Snowdon, echoed these concerns, stressing that the VAT policy could have dire consequences for independent Christian schools—particularly those serving families with limited financial means and children requiring special educational support.
He pointed out a potential contradiction: while the government’s intention is to provide equitable education, the new VAT could inadvertently undermine this very goal.
Calls for Reconsideration
Andrea Williams, chief executive of the CLC, argued passionately that this new VAT policy strips away parental choice regarding their children’s Christian education.
She lamented the government’s apparent disconnect from the real struggles faced by these schools, asserting that the change could hinder the operations of many dedicated institutions.
Teachers, who often accept modest salaries due to their commitment to Christian education, could find themselves affected.
Williams concluded her remarks with a call for the government to urgently reconsider this decision, stating that if no action is taken, they would pursue all available legal avenues in defense of families’ rights to educational freedom.
Source: ChristianToday