They just don’t want to know!

40 Labour MPs shun conference invitation from private school heads to discuss VAT raid on fees

DOZENS of Labour MPs shunned private school heads who invited them to discuss the party’s plan to introduce VAT on fees.

More than 40 MPs including several shadow cabinet ministers had been invited to a private reception at their Liverpool Conference to discuss the proposed tax raid. But bosses were left furious when none of them showed up.

James Lockwood, headteacher of Woodhouse Grove School in Bradford said it was ‘extremely disappointing’ that not one MP attended Monday’s event.

He said that scrapping tax exemptions will ‘hit the least wealthy families hardest’ and make ‘ independent schooling unaffordable for those who work the hardest to afford it’. He added: ‘ It is disappointing that there was so little engagement from the Labour Party.

‘ Pupil movement from independent schools will make it harder for all parents to get the school of their choice.

‘In short, we are not the enemy, we are just schools that form a valuable part of the whole education ecosystem in this country.’

Labour has U-turned on plans to abolish the charitable status of private schools. However, it will press ahead with its proposals to charge private schools 20 per cent VAT and scrap the 80 per cent relief they receive on business rates.

It means bursars could be forced to hike charges from as early as next September – effectively pricing families out of fee-paying schools.

The Independent Schools Council, which hosted the reception, said: ‘Headteachers and schools are keen to talk with their MP to look at the local implications of Labour’s proposed policy.

‘We are disappointed MPs did not take the opportunity to do so at Labour conference.

‘ISC would welcome the chance to work together with Labour on our shared goal of improving outcomes for more students.’

Labour leader Sir Keir Starmer, who was a pupil at Reigate Grammar School when it transitioned into a fee-paying institution, has pledged to add the tax as part of a plan to smash the ‘class ceiling’.

He told the Labour conference: ‘People will say “don’t rock the boat, we’ve always done it like this, is this really necessary?” But it’s our responsibility to do it... the prize is huge.

‘If we ignore appeals for the status quo on private school tax breaks or outdated national curriculum, then we can have mental health staff in every school, more expert teachers in the classroom, more creativity, speaking skills, confidence.’

‘We are not the enemy’