Tax raid on private schools threatens arts, warns head

THE PRINCIPAL of a leading performing arts schools has warned that a Labour VAT raid on private schools could have a “devastating effect” on the creative arts and accused the party of a “cheap shot”.

Simon Larter-Evans says it would be an “absolute tragedy” if a potential 20 per cent fee increase triggered by the VAT raid on independent schools meant current and future generations of performers were unable to study in institutions such as Tring Park.

“It would impoverish us all,” he stressed, “Because these young people become the backbone of the creative arts industry and that industry brings in 6 per cent of GDP.”

He added: “One of the things the Labour Party is doing is trying to make the point that only Old Etonians win Oscars.

“It’s a bit of a cheap shot because there are hundreds and hundreds of people who are dedicated and very well-trained performers in the West End or on TV or working behind the scenes in the creative arts industry.

“However, if fees become more expensive, then it will become really challenging for many parents and schools like ours and less privileged children will be hit then we could be in a position where only the very privileged are in the industry.”

He is also calling on the school’s alumni, including a roll call of some of the leading figures in the dramatic arts, music and dancing such as actors Lily James, Thandiwe Newton, Sarah Brightman and Lia Williams, who played Paula Vennells in Mr Bates vs The Post Office, to back the school’s campaign.

“This is a cri de coeur from us to them to use their voice to help us. I meet alumni all the time, and time and time again the people who have been through Tring – on bursaries or otherwise, and there are thousands of them – have found it to be an absolutely transformational experience and they are the people that they are because of what they have been able to do here.”

The Hertfordshire school is one of only eight in the UK – including the Royal Ballet School, Chetham’s School of Music and the Yehudi Menuhin Institute – which are considered of such national importance that they are grouped together by the Department for Education under the Music and Dance Scheme.

A small proportion of Tring students receive funding from the scheme but the school relies chiefly on fees to survive, says Larter-Evans, with many parents “very anxious” about a fee rise.