VAT on private school fees could put girls-only schools at risk, experts warn

Speaking at the Girls’ Schools Association (GSA) annual conference, Donna Stevens, the association’s chief executive, described the VAT policy as a "step backwards for equality." Mrs Stevens said girls-only schools play a vital role in improving life chances for young women and breaking societal barriers.

"Data and research consistently show that girls-only education improves girls’ life chances and breaks glass ceilings," she stated. "This policy threatens to erode choice and shrink the sector, particularly as girls’ schools are more prevalent in the independent sector than in the state sector."

Her concerns were echoed by Alex Hutchinson, president of the GSA and headteacher at James Allen’s Girls’ School in London. She warned the move could have a "seismic impact" on girls’ education, describing it as forcing "stark and unfair choices upon hard-working families."

With private school fees expected to rise by around 10% due to the VAT levy, many families who currently manage to afford private education may no longer be able to. "There will be individual families, hard-working families, where school fees were just about affordable, and now they’ve become unaffordable," Mrs Hutchinson explained.

For these families, the lack of local state-funded girls’ schools could mean having no choice but to opt for co-educational schools. This is particularly concerning in regions like Scotland and parts of the East of England, where state-funded girls’ schools are either non-existent or oversubscribed.

"If families can no longer afford independent fees, the option of an all-girls education may disappear altogether because there is no local state alternative," Mrs Hutchinson added.

Why are girls-only schools important?

Proponents of girls-only education argue that single-sex schools provide a unique environment where students can thrive without gender stereotypes.

"In our schools, there’s no such thing as a boy subject," Mrs Stevens said. "They create opportunities and help develop young women who are ready to break through societal glass ceilings."

The GSA leaders emphasised the broader implications for society. "Girls’ schools play a pivotal role in creating a more equitable world," Mrs Hutchinson said, highlighting how these institutions contribute to gender parity in higher education and professional fields.

Government response

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson defended the policy, stating that the revenue raised—estimated at £460 million in 2025 and rising to £1.7 billion by 2029—will be invested in state education.

Speaking to LBC, Ms Phillipson said: "We’ve been clear about this policy since the 2022 general election. The need for investment in our state schools is urgent."

She also suggested that private schools could look to state schools for guidance on managing budgets effectively, a comment that has been criticised by independent school leaders.

Meanwhile, an HM Treasury spokesperson said the move was part of broader efforts to ensure "all children have the best chance in life to succeed," adding that "ending tax breaks on private schools will help raise the revenue needed to break down the barriers of opportunity."

Plans to challenge the changes

In response to the proposed changes, the Independent Schools Council (ISC) has announced plans to challenge the VAT levy in court.

Mrs Hutchinson urged her peers to "stand up and fight" for the future of girls’ schools. "We’re at a defining moment in girls’ education," she said. "We need to protect these institutions that are beacons of opportunity for young women."

While the debate continues, parents and educators alike are bracing for the impact of the January tax change, fearing the potential loss of a vital educational option for girls across the UK.

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