If you’re charged VAT will you remove your child from their private school? I’m v stressed!

[Liikklu]

We won’t be able to pay the increase. Only hope is asking grandparents for the shortfall which we don’t want to do. Anyone else in a similar boat? Do you think it will literally be a 20% increase on fees or will schools absorb some of it? Our school has said they will address the matter ‘if and when’ it applies.

@Nosleepforthismum thank you xx

Maybe the school.wont increase fees straight away or in installments.

Perhaps the grandparents can help if you need.

Shame if children have to be pulled out of their school.

Our school is being very vague - just we will wait and see what the policy is. No survey of parents but it is a highly selective school and students travel far and wide to attend. We have heard that they are expecting a 17% increase in fees. It will cripple us but DD is in reception and we will forego holidays, a planned renovation, takeaways, nice meals out and new clothes to keep her at the school. The school is absolutely worth it - she loves it and is already reading at year 4 standard and hasn’t even finished reception. To hedge our bets, we are in the process of moving house so we will be in the catchment area for an outstanding secondary school just in case we need to move her for secondary.

Really hope you’re passing on your tolerant, non-judgmental way with words onto your pupils.

How old are your children, OP?

If they are very young, then I would consider moving into the catchment of a fantastic state school. Like the ones the politicians use.

If they only have a bit to go, then I would beg grandparents.

The school that announced it was closing in September which has made national headlines was declining in numbers before this came about. It wasn’t really offering anything the excellent local state schools don’t apart from smaller class sizes. It really isn’t a surprise as it’s been struggling for numbers for years - new head, went co-Ed and less selective.

It's not the fault of private school parents that your students don't have tampons. It's the fault of their own parents and you should take it up with them. Presumably this is not an isolated tragic situation affecting one student if you are regularly doing it for many - lots of parents are failing their kids. I expect the parents would tell you to fuck off, like they did to my brother (teacher) when he phoned up to try to help the kids attend maths lessons, rather than skive them and damage property

I bet you feel the same way about people who use foodbanks.

Wow. And lots of posters on here are having hurtyfeels because people are pointing out that (with the exception of SEN) this is the absolute definition of a luxury problem.

@aiak, why should those children be punished for having parents who can't (or won't) afford basics for them?

And that may be but there are lots of small schools like that for which this policy will be the last straw. Many of these small schools have lots of pupils with SEN or other issues, many of whom were previously educated in the state sector but were not supported properly. I went to look at one near me earlier this year and whilst I thought it would be fantastic for my DC, I was worried about its viability particulary with this policy looming. If I was worried, then other prospective parents would also be worried. So I disagree that it’s too early for this police to have an impact. It’s been around since 2019 and was one of the reasons I moved my older son to state three years ago at the end of year 6.

Chances are schools won't jump 20% in one year, they will also be able to reclaim VAT paid which they haven't before. That said most of a schools costs are salaries and there is no VAT on that. I guess most will be nearer 10% and that will involve some cuts and maybe even slightly larger classes.

You're a teacher just wow - your students must love your spiteful attitude, let's hope you hide it well when you have ex-private school kids join your school.

Or will you not buy them tampons?

I dunno, the same reason tone deaf private school parents keep posting on AIBU rather than under Education or Boarding School boards I suppose??
Besides, according to a lot of parents using these businesses WE should ALL be concerned as our schools will be flooded with little Henry and Henriettas taking up state schools places and kicking us plebs out of the good ones…

@Nmchnger I didn’t ask you to give a fuck. The title to my post specifically asks those in the same position as us. So… off you go, you’ve tampons to buy, apparently.

Not at all. I have no problem with people using foodbanks. Why would I?

@Thegreatergoodgerald i wasn’t aware there was an education board. But surely just hide the thread if it offends you. Pretty easy.

I did not say those children should be punished. What I said is that the OP should take it up with their parents.

I agree. This policy will already be impacting behaviour, it’s easy to see why.

You tend to commit to private due to a term’s notice and best stay are harder to get in to. It’ll have already made people switch - most likely to top state they can get

You have got such a chip on your shoulder!

I'm sorry you're disappointed with the way your life has turned out.

You're a teacher just wow - your students must love your spiteful attitude, let's hope you hide it well when you have ex-private school kids join your school

Or will you not buy them tampons?

Yeah, I'm really spiteful when like every other state school teacher we put our hands in our own pockets everyday to buy pens, tampons and food for kids who don't get what they need. You really need to take a look outside your bubble.

No we are selling our house instead. This & mortgage rate rises mean we're fucked. Because people in power keep making awful decisions.

I dont think its realistic to think schools will absorb a lot of cost longer term.

Schools can and will make efficiencies to reduce their costs, and increase their other incomes streams etc - but their new lower cost base will also rise due to inflation so before long fees will be back where they are now, plus 20% VAT.

@Nmchnger are you still here..

We will have to have to wait and see. Can get our two currently in private to sixth form and will see where we are then. Won't be able to afford to send number three from the start, if necessary we can do private sixth for them.

I don't necessarily disagree with the policy, but in the worst case scenario, it's such a large amount of extra money for some parents to find immediately. I hope they do it in a few increments over maybe two or three years, give people time to plan.

This. State schools are good, some are very good, some are ‘outstanding’ and paying through the nose for private school just isn’t buying the same privilege it used too…