to suggest that every single parent with a child at private school apply for a state school place asap?

[sarjd]

let's see how that works.

That is a lovely sentiment but anyone would be foolish not to plan for the worst case scenario here. As many posters on these threads who despise private schools keep pointing out; Labour can change the law as they see fit when they get in. We have no way of knowing what will happen because they won't clarify.

If they decide to start charging for use of their facilities, they will lose charitable status

People make choices during their lifetimes that may not work out for various reasons, it happens all the time, that’s life. If you’re not happy with the plan to put VAT on private schools you may need to change your plans. We all have to cut our cloth accordingly.

I have loved all of the veiled threats from private school parents about the removal of access to facilities as part of the VAT policy.

They simply won't do that, and if they do, your costs are going up even more as they'll lose charitable status.

On charitable status as well, what some schools manage to get away with for this is utterly ridiculous and it needs looking at. Oh and scholarships etc are NOT charity, its a business transaction that makes the school look better.

@DorisDoesDoncaster you know millionaires who get 50% off school fees? You do realise there is a rigorous process for bursaries where they contact banks and do in depth background checks on all family member's finances? I didn't apply because I managed to pay off my mortgage and the amount the house is worth means that I wouldn't be eligible, despite being a single income family. I call bs I'm afraid.

@RespiceFinemKarma People find ways to get around these things as well as discounts are given for siblings etc which counts as financial aid.

That’s a ridiculous idea OP!! You’ll just cause havoc for the council (ours is already bankrupt) and the school offices (my lovely friend works in one and is forever working unpaid overtime to cope with the incessant admin).

Be angry with Labour, not fuck around the people working to support local schools.

We live 3 min walk from an outstanding primary school. Both DCs went there for Reception. It was as good as you will likely get for free, but still massively challenged with class sizes of 31, 5 changes of teacher in a year, no tissues/glue sticks/craft materials, children going to school unfed/underdressed, too many behavioural issues for the poor teacher to cope with and 2 NT children who weren’t potty trained before starting school!!

The prep school we then joined at year 1 is significantly better in every way. We’ll pay the VAT, as well as the 5% fee increased already announced for September. Also maxing my pension contributions to reduce my tax bill, as I’m pissed at Labour 😂

No, the aim is to apply for a place and accept it, then just not turn up in September (because their child is in private school), in order to disrupt admissions for the other children.

A fair number of private school parents do that already (apply for a backup state place then not bother to decline it). LAs are well used to it.

But applications for September closed months ago and in year admissions don't work that way.

Mortgaged UK home but a dozen properties abroad with no mortgage, rented out, income not remitted to the UK (to their bank account anyway).

UK Ltd co for their business which took a bit of a hit during Covid, took bounce back loans etc to demonstrate hardship.

So no, not BS.

No, the aim is to apply for a place and accept it, then just not turn up in September (because their child is in private school), in order to disrupt admissions for the other children.

But this is based on having no understanding on how admissions into state schools work.

Unless you applied months ago, you won’t be allocated any YR/Y7 place for September.

If they are in a different year group, you apply and then will be offered a space in a state school which has one, which you will have to take up within a short timescale, or the place is lost.

This won’t disrupt admissions for anyone for September.

You know some odd people!
Most bursary kids at dd's school take part in so much promotional stuff people would be tipping off the school. I bet their kids are mortified.

Yes, do cut your noses off to spite your collective faces.

That'll show 'em!

Slow clap for you 👏........... 👏............. 👏............ 👏

Why haven’t you campaigned to improve state education yourself? If only 7% of children attend private school then 93% are in the state system.

You seem to be saying that it’s only the parents of 7% of children who have the wherewithal to demand a good education for their offspring.

What of the other 93%?

Are you suggesting they don’t care, are too lazy to campaign or too dim to make a difference?

Because that’s very much what it sounds like.

Admittedly, from what I’ve seen teaching in both sectors, you’re not far off the mark.

Feels like we are missing some basic empathy here. We aren’t talking about people having to change holiday plans, choosing a different house or car - or eating out less. this is about destabilising children’s education with very little clarity and warning and for political reasons. No doubt that state education is a mess and needs a huge investment by the government, there is simply no getting away from that. But funding this from a very small minority of the population feels ambitious to say the least. Those on here are worrying about having to move children mid way through education - on a human level I can empathise with the stress and panic this is causing, whatever my own situation.

Feels like we are missing some basic empathy here

With the OP's batshit plan to Stick One to Keir Starmer by creating extra admin for council workers?

Please do. We’d be delighted to have your children.

May I add how good it is to see and hear people actually talking about education as an issue in the run-up to a general election?

It's a policy of envy so a massive protest of disruption does fit. I have no skin in the game as we have moved to an area to get into an outstanding faith or ex grammer school (our choice likely to get either). My mortgage now reflects the area but we are only likely to stay for 3yrs before moving somewhere cheaper to get a bigger house having renovated this one.

The kids coming out of the private system are likely to be at transition points in the majority of cases so parents can simply move to get the school they want.

Having saved on school fees a tutor is also easily affordable so you aren't stopping privilege in fact all you are doing is driving it underground making it harder for universities etc to give contextual offers.

The kids also already have contacts through their parents and are likely friends with the lawyers kids etc outside of school. It's the kids of successful working class parents without those connections who will miss out the opportunities to build connections.

If he really wants more money for education what would be an idea is a system something like go fund me that parents and local people can contribute to with gift aid for individual schools. Our PTA raises thousands per year for fun things if the schools need it for essentials I would rather it went direct to them.

If he actually set out a spending plan something like defense, education and health with a focus on reducing the deficit instead of vanity policies like this he would be more relatable to everyone not those who envy others!!

Well, all the 'excellent' state schools are likely well-oversubscribed. Perhaps they'll improve the standards at the lesser ranked state schools by demanding improvements and supporting their children's education and enforcing behaviour standards.

Goodness me. What a nasty nasty post. Is this right - this person thinks it would be a great idea to attempt to disrupt an already struggling state sector because they are stamping their feet about paying extra for a service they have chosen?
Is this correct?
I'm actually astounded

Except they aren't. They're talking about a policy that affects a tiny minority while state education goes undiscussed. Again.

Be angry with Labour, not fuck around the people working to support local schools.

We live 3 min walk from an outstanding primary school. Both DCs went there for Reception. It was as good as you will likely get for free, but still massively challenged with class sizes of 31, 5 changes of teacher in a year, no tissues/glue sticks/craft materials, children going to school unfed/underdressed, too many behavioural issues for the poor teacher to cope with and 2 NT children who weren’t potty trained before starting school!!

Be angry with Labour?

Misdirected. You should be angry with the Tory’s for their massive underfunding of education,

I’d love politicians to focus on state education, it’s what we use

The education budget could be higher funding per pupil as rolls fall instead of red meat GE fodder which will damage education

Sadly this is where we are because there will be no extra funding and not much to differentiate

You never know it may force the government to give a fuck if the “right” kind of children are going to state schools.

Labour spitefully disrupt a minority of children’s education. With no net gain for the public purse.

The targets fight back by disrupting state school administration.

🤷‍♀️

Doesn’t look much like Labour is going to unify the country.