Thousands of parents of children attending private schools have reported financial difficulties following the introduction of a value-added tax (VAT) on private school fees. According to a recent survey conducted by the charity Parentkind, 40 percent of families with children in independent education have had to reduce their everyday spending over the past year to manage the increased costs. Additionally, 28 percent of respondents said they were struggling to pay school fees.

The VAT on private school fees was implemented in January of last year by the Labour government, resulting in an approximate 20 percent rise in costs for many families. The government has stated that the additional revenue is being used to fund improvements in state schools, including the recruitment of 6,500 new teachers.

The Parentkind National Parent Survey 2026 collected responses from 6,053 parents of children aged four to 18, with 476 respondents having children in private schools. Frank Young, the chief executive of Parentkind, emphasized that not all families who choose independent education are wealthy. He noted that many select private schooling due to factors such as special educational needs, religious reasons, or other personal circumstances, often making considerable financial sacrifices to do so.

According to the Good Schools Guide, the average annual fee for a private day pupil was £19,000 last year, up by £1,000 compared to the previous year. Boarding fees also increased, averaging £50,000, rising from £42,000.

A Department for Education spokesperson highlighted that the removal of tax breaks for private schools is delivering substantial funds aimed at enhancing education for the majority of children, with 94 percent attending state schools. The government maintains that these measures support broader improvements in the education system across the country.