Page 4 | To really dislike Bridget Phillipson?

Sensiblyplease · 2024-10-08T12:09:26+00:00

I just absolutely can’t stand the woman. The lady seems to be making decisions based on personal prejudices and causing intentional division in our education system. She’s not listening to anyone, and the consequences her decisions are having is far too impactful to ignore. As someone in her power she should model balanced politics, based on evidence, instead of in-sighting hate and division. My children are in state school- we’ve had 3 more children come into their year group with SEN but no EHCPs as their previous independent schools could cope without one. The parents inform me it’ll take a few years and that’s if they get one- and then they can either go back to their previous independent school (as apparently they won’t have to pay VAT with an ECHP?) or have the help they need according to the results of the ECHP. Im just so angry. I have nothing against these children and can understand they can’t afford the VAT increase and needed to move back into state schools, but it’s now really disrupted the class. The TA is apparently out the class all the time now and the class teacher has 32 children on her own. It appears that Bridget’s insistence and personal hate against the private sector is damaging to state school children. It’s really pissing me off - our children’s education is important and not to be messed around with. I feel like the woman likes a good headline but is prepared to throw our children’s education away in order to meet her personal objectives / vendettas. What is she actually doing for state schools? Her headline grabbing titles is deflecting from her actually trying to improve state education in any meaningful and impactful way. 6500 teachers - so my kids get 1/3 of a teacher for their school? That’s shocking. More children entering the state system now puts pressure on their school, and their teachers. What is she actually doing to address this. Where is she magic-ing these trained and qualified teachers from? What is she doing to retain teachers and help with their current work load? I’m fed up with her agenda effecting normal people. We need someone with a level head to sort schools out. End of rant!

EasternStandard · 10/10/2024 11:07

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:50

Oh, they’re remaining are they? Thought they might be… that’s fine. All good. Just as IFS predicted then, despite all the claims to be flooding state schools with pupils, demanding places etc.
What you need to realise is that no one NOT using private schools cares whether or not you send your child, whether you can afford it or not, how much money the school gives you or anyone else in discounts.
We just don’t. Pay it or don’t. Send your kids or don’t. That’s up to you. Draw all the ‘lines’ you want because it doesn’t affect me, my kids, or state kids anyway.
You want to pay less? Then you should be negotiating with the business educating children, about their extortionate fees, about their increase of charges for the last decade and why they aren’t doing something to help out the parents who so value them.

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or state kids anyway

This dud policy does

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 10:55

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:50

Oh, they’re remaining are they? Thought they might be… that’s fine. All good. Just as IFS predicted then, despite all the claims to be flooding state schools with pupils, demanding places etc.
What you need to realise is that no one NOT using private schools cares whether or not you send your child, whether you can afford it or not, how much money the school gives you or anyone else in discounts.
We just don’t. Pay it or don’t. Send your kids or don’t. That’s up to you. Draw all the ‘lines’ you want because it doesn’t affect me, my kids, or state kids anyway.
You want to pay less? Then you should be negotiating with the business educating children, about their extortionate fees, about their increase of charges for the last decade and why they aren’t doing something to help out the parents who so value them.

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For someone who “doesn’t care” and who won’t be affected, you seem rather aggressive in your views on private education. You are correct on one thing though. The VAT won’t affect state kids, because state schools won’t see any funding as a direct result of the policy. Even the IFS have admitted that.

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:50

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 10:26

Fine, I would be happy if we all dropped the pretence that this is anything other than politics, populism and spite, and has nothing to do with improving equality or the state school sector.

Lines have been drawn.

It will ultimately prove to be a net cost to the exchequer, whilst those PS that do remain will be hugely out of reach for the majority, with a disproportionate number of overseas children.

Would that make you happy?

My DC, and other posters children, will meanwhile remain in PS.

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Oh, they’re remaining are they? Thought they might be… that’s fine. All good. Just as IFS predicted then, despite all the claims to be flooding state schools with pupils, demanding places etc.
What you need to realise is that no one NOT using private schools cares whether or not you send your child, whether you can afford it or not, how much money the school gives you or anyone else in discounts.
We just don’t. Pay it or don’t. Send your kids or don’t. That’s up to you. Draw all the ‘lines’ you want because it doesn’t affect me, my kids, or state kids anyway.
You want to pay less? Then you should be negotiating with the business educating children, about their extortionate fees, about their increase of charges for the last decade and why they aren’t doing something to help out the parents who so value them.

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 10:44

Boohoo76 · 10/10/2024 10:29

Time and time again you show that have zero understanding of how private schools work. It’s all “my friend this”…. Bursaries and scholarship are two completely different things. Scholarships are not means tested and are usually a small discount off the fees. Bursaries are means tested and can be up to 100%. There are a number of 100% bursary pupils at my DCs school.

Do you really think that spouting nonsense supports your arguments?!

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Many schools actually offer 100% bursaries, PLUS an allowance for uniform and fund school trips (which, incidentally many fee paying families are cutting back on to save cost).

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 10:42

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:18

It’s a myth that private schools are really doing anything for genuinely less well off parents.
All the stats - independent AND from the ISC show that much of the ‘financial’ support isn’t means tested. Money off is going to families who can afford the fees - it’s marketing, you give 5/10% off for an academic, music, sports ‘scholarship’ or bursary.
Friend whose household income is £500k+ has a 10% reduction for her child, it wasn’t means tested. Almost everyone I know at private had some money shaved off…
but saving £2k on fees of £20k isn’t getting that bright WC kid who’s household income is £30k into that school.
GENUINE scholarships are few and far between.

Another myth is the ‘shared’ facilities with local communities… they charge at market rate. Which is fine. Just don’t make it sound like some charitable endeavour when the local state school is paying quite a lot to use that pool…

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This is simply not true across the board. Many schools are now removing fee reductions for scholarships, and channelling the money into means tested bursaries instead. My children have scholarships and we don’t receive a penny off the basic school fees. I don’t have a problem with that - I agree that the money should be put towards those children without parents who can afford the fees.

Many schools share facilities without charging the market rate. Our school often hosts events where state schools visit and use the facilities, led by our teachers, and are provided with lunch etc. That is all subsidised by fee paying parents. Again, no one disagrees with that.

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 10:37

Boohoo76 · 10/10/2024 10:29

Time and time again you show that have zero understanding of how private schools work. It’s all “my friend this”…. Bursaries and scholarship are two completely different things. Scholarships are not means tested and are usually a small discount off the fees. Bursaries are means tested and can be up to 100%. There are a number of 100% bursary pupils at my DCs school.

Do you really think that spouting nonsense supports your arguments?!

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Spot on.

And there are consequences- we stopped donating towards a bursary for another child because of Labour. It wasn’t an insignificant amount.

Boohoo76 · 10/10/2024 10:29

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:18

It’s a myth that private schools are really doing anything for genuinely less well off parents.
All the stats - independent AND from the ISC show that much of the ‘financial’ support isn’t means tested. Money off is going to families who can afford the fees - it’s marketing, you give 5/10% off for an academic, music, sports ‘scholarship’ or bursary.
Friend whose household income is £500k+ has a 10% reduction for her child, it wasn’t means tested. Almost everyone I know at private had some money shaved off…
but saving £2k on fees of £20k isn’t getting that bright WC kid who’s household income is £30k into that school.
GENUINE scholarships are few and far between.

Another myth is the ‘shared’ facilities with local communities… they charge at market rate. Which is fine. Just don’t make it sound like some charitable endeavour when the local state school is paying quite a lot to use that pool…

Show quote history

Time and time again you show that have zero understanding of how private schools work. It’s all “my friend this”…. Bursaries and scholarship are two completely different things. Scholarships are not means tested and are usually a small discount off the fees. Bursaries are means tested and can be up to 100%. There are a number of 100% bursary pupils at my DCs school.

Do you really think that spouting nonsense supports your arguments?!

Ellieowns · 10/10/2024 10:28

GreenTeaLikesMe · 10/10/2024 07:21

And this is Labour's fault how, exactly?

We've just had 14 years of Conservative government, and sorry to be blunt but they have done a shit job of boosting growth and productivity.

The UK is also grappling with the issues facing all developed countries worldwide - aging populations, the aftermath of covid, the need to fund decarbonization and the end of the "peace dividend" as more and more money has to be spent on security. Those things aren't the fault of Labour either.

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Neither party is really completely at fault for the state of the developing world - we have a problem that has been building up for generations . Arguing between ourselves Conservative v Labour and vice versa isn’t going to help . It needs a cross party approach . Frankly I wish this Government and opposition would start acting like grown ups and deal with it . It’s not rocket science that more tax needs to be paid or that the comfy modern lives we lead are going to have to change - we need to live in a simpler less materialistic way .

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 10:26

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:18

It’s a myth that private schools are really doing anything for genuinely less well off parents.
All the stats - independent AND from the ISC show that much of the ‘financial’ support isn’t means tested. Money off is going to families who can afford the fees - it’s marketing, you give 5/10% off for an academic, music, sports ‘scholarship’ or bursary.
Friend whose household income is £500k+ has a 10% reduction for her child, it wasn’t means tested. Almost everyone I know at private had some money shaved off…
but saving £2k on fees of £20k isn’t getting that bright WC kid who’s household income is £30k into that school.
GENUINE scholarships are few and far between.

Another myth is the ‘shared’ facilities with local communities… they charge at market rate. Which is fine. Just don’t make it sound like some charitable endeavour when the local state school is paying quite a lot to use that pool…

Show quote history

Fine, I would be happy if we all dropped the pretence that this is anything other than politics, populism and spite, and has nothing to do with improving equality or the state school sector.

Lines have been drawn.

It will ultimately prove to be a net cost to the exchequer, whilst those PS that do remain will be hugely out of reach for the majority, with a disproportionate number of overseas children.

Would that make you happy?

My DC, and other posters children, will meanwhile remain in PS.

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 10:18

Morph22010 · 10/10/2024 09:41

If thst is the case then they will need to give up charitable status as well. Schools don’t have to be run as charities so they can do easily but if they want they benefits of charitable status they are the things that need to be provided to prove public benefit

Show quote history

It’s a myth that private schools are really doing anything for genuinely less well off parents.
All the stats - independent AND from the ISC show that much of the ‘financial’ support isn’t means tested. Money off is going to families who can afford the fees - it’s marketing, you give 5/10% off for an academic, music, sports ‘scholarship’ or bursary.
Friend whose household income is £500k+ has a 10% reduction for her child, it wasn’t means tested. Almost everyone I know at private had some money shaved off…
but saving £2k on fees of £20k isn’t getting that bright WC kid who’s household income is £30k into that school.
GENUINE scholarships are few and far between.

Another myth is the ‘shared’ facilities with local communities… they charge at market rate. Which is fine. Just don’t make it sound like some charitable endeavour when the local state school is paying quite a lot to use that pool…

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 10:03

Morph22010 · 10/10/2024 09:41

If thst is the case then they will need to give up charitable status as well. Schools don’t have to be run as charities so they can do easily but if they want they benefits of charitable status they are the things that need to be provided to prove public benefit

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Plenty of schools offer bursaries without being charities. So, they can ditch bursaries with no impact whatsoever, if they’re looking to cut costs.

EasternStandard · 10/10/2024 10:01

Boohoo76 · 10/10/2024 09:41

Businesses make a profit for their owners. The majority of private schools don’t make a profit for their owners (because they don’t have owners). Any surplus that they do make is re-invested for the benefit of the school.

And as I’ve said many times on here, my DC’s school fees (at a large, successful independent) have been increased gradually in line with inflation apart from this year due to the additional contributions to the TPS.

I really don’t understand why the word PRIVATE winds you up so much. Private schools save the tax payer £4 billion a year and generate another £4 billion in tax.

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Private schools save the tax payer £4 billion a year and generate another £4 billion in tax.

Exactly. Phillipson seems to be coming from the same place. Attack and contempt. No scrutiny of impact.

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 09:44

Morph22010 · 10/10/2024 09:41

If thst is the case then they will need to give up charitable status as well. Schools don’t have to be run as charities so they can do easily but if they want they benefits of charitable status they are the things that need to be provided to prove public benefit

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Yes, that occurred to me, and I agree.

Let’s bring it on (edited to add so we can defang Labour)

I am otherwise still waiting for an answer to my PP.

Boohoo76 · 10/10/2024 09:41

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 09:03

'Why does tax need to be paid on education?'

PRIVATE education. Private is the key word there. And it doesn't. if you send your child to a state school. No fees, no tax.

Private schools are businesses. BUSINESSES. They charge a fortune, they hike fees up as much as they like, when they like. Because they're businesses.

If you don't like the service or you can't afford the service or just don't think it's value for money. Don't use it.

Businesses make a profit for their owners. The majority of private schools don’t make a profit for their owners (because they don’t have owners). Any surplus that they do make is re-invested for the benefit of the school.

And as I’ve said many times on here, my DC’s school fees (at a large, successful independent) have been increased gradually in line with inflation apart from this year due to the additional contributions to the TPS.

I really don’t understand why the word PRIVATE winds you up so much. Private schools save the tax payer £4 billion a year and generate another £4 billion in tax.

Morph22010 · 10/10/2024 09:41

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 09:15

Thanks.

Following your logic, PS should no longer provide bursaries and scholarships, and nor should they permit state school children to use their facilities, correct?

Because the schools are PRIVATE and outsiders can either not afford them, or choose not to.

Please advise.

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If thst is the case then they will need to give up charitable status as well. Schools don’t have to be run as charities so they can do easily but if they want they benefits of charitable status they are the things that need to be provided to prove public benefit

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 09:15

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 09:03

'Why does tax need to be paid on education?'

PRIVATE education. Private is the key word there. And it doesn't. if you send your child to a state school. No fees, no tax.

Private schools are businesses. BUSINESSES. They charge a fortune, they hike fees up as much as they like, when they like. Because they're businesses.

If you don't like the service or you can't afford the service or just don't think it's value for money. Don't use it.

Thanks.

Following your logic, PS should no longer provide bursaries and scholarships, and nor should they permit state school children to use their facilities, correct?

Because the schools are PRIVATE and outsiders can either not afford them, or choose not to.

Please advise.

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 09:13

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 09:03

'Why does tax need to be paid on education?'

PRIVATE education. Private is the key word there. And it doesn't. if you send your child to a state school. No fees, no tax.

Private schools are businesses. BUSINESSES. They charge a fortune, they hike fees up as much as they like, when they like. Because they're businesses.

If you don't like the service or you can't afford the service or just don't think it's value for money. Don't use it.

PRIVATE nurseries? PRIVATE healthcare?

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 09:03

'Why does tax need to be paid on education?'

PRIVATE education. Private is the key word there. And it doesn't. if you send your child to a state school. No fees, no tax.

Private schools are businesses. BUSINESSES. They charge a fortune, they hike fees up as much as they like, when they like. Because they're businesses.

If you don't like the service or you can't afford the service or just don't think it's value for money. Don't use it.

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 09:01

'I didn’t hear many people complaining when Sunak was dishing out cash left right and centre during the pandemic. How did people think it was going to be paid? '

I complained. And when they bailed out banks. And when they gave lucrative contracts to their mates. And when they had the lock down parties or travelled where they liked. And when they put that numpty into 10 Down Street for a few weekend- that little move that tanked the economy is costing me an extra £600 a month on my mortgage, BTW...

It's a bloody low bar isn't it, for Labour.

Another76543 · 10/10/2024 08:45

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 07:58

Exactly. These private school parents don’t seem to be able to seem past the end of their own noses!!

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The Budget will affect all of us. Labour decisions have already negatively impacted pensioners on £12k a year.

People seem to have very short memories about the state the Conservatives inherited it in 2010 (although of course none of that could possibly have been Labour’s fault).

I didn’t hear many people complaining when Sunak was dishing out cash left right and centre during the pandemic. How did people think it was going to be paid? The Conservatives weren’t great; no one is defending them. Please let’s not pretend that that they inherited a booming, high growth economy from Labour though.

pinkpopcorn123 · 10/10/2024 08:35

goodluckbinbin · 09/10/2024 13:20

'This is why you can’t see the issue with the VAT. '

I don't see an issue with VAT because 1. private school is a luxury and should be taxed properly 2. There is an alternative - state school 3. I'm WC though now a high earner so have little sympathy for people whoa re also high earning and are well off but trying to paint themselves as victims

That simple. My Dc go to a completely run of the mill comp. Our choice. Private schooling is also a choice for some - fine. But tax needs to be paid.

TBH - I have more issue with charity status of these schools. That should have been the thing that changed

Why does tax need to be paid on education? Do you believe all tuition needs to pay tax? Music, art, sport's, private turors, tech courses, nurseries conferences? Because if you believe education in principle should be taxed so must all of these. Education worldwide is tax exempt. We are the only country in the world doing this (bar New Zealand who tax everything and even then, if a school is registered tax isn't payable). There are no tax breaks for private schools just questionable language from BP and labour.

To answer the question from OP, yes, she is loathsome.

MoneyNeverSleeps · 10/10/2024 08:07

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 07:58

Exactly. These private school parents don’t seem to be able to seem past the end of their own noses!!

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Prejudice eventually finds its way to the surface…

EasternStandard · 10/10/2024 08:04

lilloa · 10/10/2024 08:03

Ugh surely that could be more damaging in terms of knock on effects? Lower wages, reluctance to hire...my company has only in the last few years stopped citing the last financial crash as a reason why they can't offer meaningful pay rises...

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Idk it was a really quick line, it might not be

But Reeves has pledged no higher taxes on working people and to not use borrowing for daily expenses

EasternStandard · 10/10/2024 08:03

goodluckbinbin · 10/10/2024 07:58

Exactly. These private school parents don’t seem to be able to seem past the end of their own noses!!

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I think that’s true of those who evidence playground spite as a basis for their views.

Phillipson and the repeaters of that rhetoric

It’s not considering actual impact, in Labour’s case with a vote not to do so.

lilloa · 10/10/2024 08:03

EasternStandard · 10/10/2024 07:19

I just heard employer NIC floated on R4

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Ugh surely that could be more damaging in terms of knock on effects? Lower wages, reluctance to hire...my company has only in the last few years stopped citing the last financial crash as a reason why they can't offer meaningful pay rises...