To think if you can no longer afford school fees...

I didn't say "super" rural, I said "rural". And it is pretty rural - the South East isn't just London, you know. But that still doesn't change the fact the schools are still the biggest employer and everything I said remains a real possibility.

I wouldn't have an issue sending my child to a state school but in all the research I've done, I've yet to see any non-selective state school that is actually better than a private school.

I agree - it will be a tough time for those who have stretched themselves to send their kids private. However, the merchant wankers bankers and those earning a fortune in law and finance will be absolutely fine!

Who had "leave the country" on their bingo card?

"Half of independent schools have fewer than 300 pupils (see Independent Schools Council"

Yes, and these tend to be primaries, with lower fees. Certainly not charging the average fee for a day secondary.

"I'm in the south east."

Super rural then?

This won’t impact the elite, it’ll just worsen the opportunities for social mobility and widen the gap between rich and poor.

Most intelligent people recognise that.

I honestly think all hope is gone for this country. It’s time for the people who can to get out now.

Also, I'm not making a "special plea". I'm talking about probable outcomes using what facts we have available? Not everything has to be emotional.

Where exactly do you live that this is the case?

That what is the case? That the private schools are struggling to break even? I mean, that's literally happening everywhere! Half of independent schools have fewer than 300 pupils (see Independent Schools Council). If you lose 10 pupils that's a drop in income of, say, £180,000 in a year. On the basis that around 90% of the cost of a school is salaries, it's not hard to see how you go from breaking even to folding in a very short space of time.

I'm in the south east.

This is seriously cunty

@Labtastic

Where exactly do you live that this is the case?

As said before there is special pleading from every single PE parent, which either means MN has an entirely different set of parents using it than are average PE parents, or, lots are leaving important information out.

Greece is very different so pointless using them as a reason against charging vat.

In what way? I'd like to hear why it would be different here.

An Economist article I read from 2015 about Greece's issue was that a) the big, richer schools were unaffected but b) the smaller schools went bust, and all the jobs went with them. Exactly what people are warning of here.

We have three private schools in our immediate vicinity and, in a rural area, they are by far the biggest employers for miles around. One school is making a loss, the other two are only just breaking even (literally only hundreds of pounds margin). These are the schools that are heavily at risk from this policy. People may not choose to move their children, but they'll have no choice when the smaller schools with fewer than 300 pupils start folding.

So, basically, just like Greece.

Did someone force you to open the thread and comment?

@JockTamsonsBairns

No we're from those areas. We don't live there now.

Greece is very different so pointless using them as a reason against charging vat.

They have said EHCP children would be exempt but not all SEND which is the right thing to do otherwise every single parent of a privately educated kid would say their child had SEND.

This was published by a leading Chambers a couple of days ago. It states that those with an EHCP will be exempt.

Unless you have a more recent source? In which case I stand corrected.

https://www.9sjs.com/news/what-does-the-labour-party-plan-for-vat-on-private-school-fees-mean-for-pupils-with-special-educational-needs/

The manifesto doesn’t specify what the rate of vat will be as far as I can tell so they’re not tied in to 20% immediately. A lot of the costings are a bit dodge across the piece so until they’re in government and have access to the civil service, it’s a bit finger in the air (eg the budget for the 3000 extra nurseries is about £11k per one which is nothing).

Personally I’m a bit gutted. I don’t like my local senior schools and will need to do done number crunching but a 20% car threshold might be the trigger for me not going down a private route. It’ll be in 3-4 years time when the policy hits re behaviour change. I think people with kids in school will do all they can to keep them there but it’s a very different decision process for those thinking about starting. Now if there is a massive cash injection into schools and staff retention over next few years, the state schools might improve but currently my catchment school has negative progress scores for high achieving kids and has some significant behavioural issues. A shift away from private schools might generally improve the school as it’s not really a ‘comp’ by intake as very high percentage of kids go private for secondary in my area or find god to get into the high performing catholic school.

Your son lives in Easterhouse or Castlemilk, but is going private??

You're brave!

Which private school?

No one seems to be talking about the fact that private school nurseries might also have vat added (Labour haven’t committed either way). Can you imagine the fight for nursery places if they do that (loads of people use them as they woukd a regular nursery).

Nope, that’s not been confirmed.

@SugarandSpiceandAllThingsNaice Greece don’t charge VAT on private school fees. They tried it, it was a monumental fuck up and they had to reverse the decision.

Thanks for the reply and explaining your points.

The idea of putting tax on education also makes me a bit uncomfortable. I feel like it's a line that shouldn't be crossed. I'm not saying they'll start charging VAT on nurseries and university. I'm not sure what might happen. I just like it now where certain things like health and education are off limits.

Seriously? You think VAT on private school fees is a major driver of a nation’s economy?

I don't, no. Where do you think I said that?

Seriously? You think VAT on private school fees is a major driver of a nation’s economy? It has as much effect as crocodile tears on the flow of the Nile.

@Labtastic

I wouldn't use Greece as an example of anything happening in a normal way.

Most people will pay it. Those already there will in the vast majority just keep going.

Those preparing to send their children will arrange their finances accordingly.

Haha, and Greece was a great example of what happens when you do bring in this policy!