4+ assessments 2023

[Agirlcanhope2023]

Thought I’d set up a thread for those of us sitting our DS/DD for the 4+ in 2023 (for September 2024 start date). Anyone had any assessment day(s) yet?

Yeah it would be unfair, but unfortunately it’s also the policy. I’ve looked at this in detail (and I work in an area close to tax), and I’ve seen nothing to suggest it won’t apply to existing cohorts. Shame, I wondered if you’d read something I’d missed.

I personally would accept NLCS and move later if fees become unaffordable. I would also discuss with the school later if things are unaffordable. Children are resilient and there is no harm to them I think by moving schools. In fact kids move at 4/7/11/13 etc. If on the other hands due to the backlash Labour do not impose VAT you will always regret turning down a dream school…

I read the following:

"Although adding VAT to independent school fees would, in theory, raise additional revenue, it would also enable independent schools to register for VAT and reclaim the VAT incurred on expenditure. There is a danger that independent schools would delay incurring significant expenditure until the VAT is recoverable from HMRC"

In other words, introducing VAT on fees would enable schools to claim back a fair amount of VAT that they can't currently, and I think unused allowances can be carried forward from previous years? I certainly can't see parents being hit with the full 20% increase, and that's if the change happens at all.

Any idea by how many NLCS over-offer. We are in their waitlist but seems there was no movement this week :(

The amount they can claim back will generally be negligible in making a difference to fees I'm afraid given the majority of their costs are salaries and things already exempt from vat

@mepop12 have you heard anything back from NLCS?

I wonder if the schools will try and reduce the salary expenses by cutting staff? Eg cutting back on unusual,/unpopular subjects...? I'm speculating

@RK20 Lots from our pre-prep have accepted NLCS. May I ask nursery is your child in? Ok if you prefer not to disclose of course but if they are another nursery/ preprep I think your DS may have higher chances to be offered as I think NLCS will not want 25 percent of their intake from the same preprep .. but that’s just my thinking. Maybe NLCS do prefer our pre-prep!

@Redriding1122 my daughter is at a pre prep in Holland Park. Is your daughter at mulberry house? Just really hoping there is even some movement or at least opportunity for those in waitlist I know they have over offered so not sure what the Chances are.

For those on waiting lists, we have today released places at NLCS, Habs, St. Christopher's and Channing.

Hi all, @RK20 is it an absolute known fact (excuse my naivety) but do all or most of these schools habs/nlcs over offer? How do you know that is the case this year?

I posted on this above. It is true

@Ottermum123 Thanks for updating, it's nice to have people giving hope!

It is true. The situation is chaotic - lots of people have multiple offers / waiting list places, schools have different policies on how many offers they make relevant to space, or the range on the number of pupils they can have in a year.

Unfortunately given the number of factors in play it's not possible to know until things shake out at the end. Very anxious for us waiting, but the deadline is close now.

With a moderate fee increase each year and the full 20% VAT added to that, I’m showing the total base cost of Highgate, including tax, at over £700k for reception through sixth form. Has anyone else tried to model this out? I’m hoping I’m just bad at maths.

We've released places at NLCS and Highgate, and accepted at SHHS. Hope this is a positive update for those on waitlists.

Sounds about right

You’re not, and that’s minus the cost of trips, charity events etc

Depends on the figures you're using, of course, but I'm struggling to get to 700k, more like 600k, of which 100k is VAT. That's assuming increases of 6% a year and a step up in fees at year 7.The VAT averages out at £7k a year (less at the beginning, more at the end).

You would also need to take into account wage increases, career development, inflation, house price increases, investment returns etc etc to get a real picture.

Independent schools have always been expensive and a commitment if you're planning on going through to sixth form. The VAT increases (if they arrive) haven't changed the landscape in my opinion, I suspect those that were planning to educate privately will be able to absorb the potential increase.

Spot on, £613k assuming 6%pa fee inflation and a 20% VAT hike from Year 1

Does anyone know if the SHHS waitlist moved at all ? We have accepted our backup option

Still no news. May I ask which you accepted?

Thank you. We have accepted St C.

@4PlusDrama We'll see you there, we just got offered St C as well. Relief!

The SH waitlist has closed now. She said they did go to the waitlist, but not by much.