Panicking about VAT on school fees? Laura Stotesbury, Head of St Joseph’s College provides some “keep calm and carry on” advice.

DON’T let the prospect of VAT on independent school fees see your children’s education go up in smoke. Laura Stotesbury suggests questions parents need to ask and provides some practical guidance.

What we know

Understandably, this is a hot topic for parents. In a cost-ofliving crisis, affordability of school fees and the prospect of VAT is a genuine concern. Right now, we are working in the hypothetical. There are a lot of questions and few answers: how will VAT be charged and how soon could it become reality? We don’t know everything but at St Joseph’s we are ready; we have a team that meets regularly to discuss the latest political commentary and undertakes financial modelling so that we’re on the front foot and able to reassure our parents.

Most schools have been planning for the worst but hoping for the best. We have been asking ourselves what it will mean for our parents as fee transparency is essential for parents to make informed decisions. Our parents always get a term’s notice of changes, and we try to keep ‘extras’, such as lunches and trips, itemised on invoices, so you know what you are paying for. Keep in mind that the largest cost to any school is its staff – that’s the one cost that you can’t cut without impacting outcomes.

Drill down on the detail

St Joseph’s committed to a lower fee structure back in 2010. We’re already over 20% better value than every independent school in Reading and have the lowest fees in Berkshire. In the event that our competitor schools absorbed some of the VAT, and we didn’t, we’d still be in a good position. That’s not my ambition of course. For St Joseph’s, it’s about looking at other revenue streams generating income that isn’t from school fees.

Financial safety nets

If you’ve already committed to independent schooling, but affordability becomes an issue, ask for help. We have a robust means-tested system of financial support - take a look at our Fee Assistance information on our website. Paying for schooling is a choice and so be aware that part of any assistance process is to look at other choices families make about holidays and cars, for example. There isn’t a magic wand, nor is there an endless pot of money and as a charity it is key that the funds we do have are allocated based on need.

No school wants to disrupt a child’s education, so have open conversations if your circumstances change. We will always seek to work with a family to do what we can to support them. Hardship funds are also an option. We’re lucky to have had some generous alumni who have given money over the years, so that we can support pupils with the cost of trips and residentials that are pertinent to their studies.

Results, Outcomes, Support

Lower fees are not a compromise on quality. Parents need to look at exam results and frame those results against the school’s intake, such as whether it is selective, and the size of classes. Ask about the value-added created for students. Don’t just look at the headline grabbing ‘top’ grades. Every child has a unique pathway, so define what success looks like for your child, then ask how the school will support them to meet that goal. Work out your child’s strengths and weaknesses, then identify how best they will be served by a school.

Price up the whole package

When paying for education think about what you pay for now. Performing Arts classes? Swimming lessons? After school care? Consider what your school fees cover. At St Joseph’s children can attend from 7.45am to 6pm. All children are offered the chance to be in a drama production from Early Years through to Sixth Form. There is a plethora of co-curricular activities offered including STEM clubs, Jazz band and Model United Nations. Swimming lessons are included weekly in the curriculum, from Reception upwards.

My best advice to parents

Hold your nerve, look around, consider alternatives and don’t discount anything. Stress test your ability to pay 20% more, but remember there may be help available. At St Joseph’s we don’t offer boarding, acres of outdoor space or weekend fixtures, but our diverse student body is served well. Our students are successful in their own endeavours, but there is no hint of brashness or arrogance. A lot of that is because they understand the sacrifice their parents are making for them to be here. It’s real-world aspiration.

■ For more information visit our website at www.sjcr.org.uk or call or main office on 0118 966 1000