Private schools say drop in enrolments mainly due to impending VAT on fees

Survey by Independent Schools Council finds UK pupil numbers down 1.7% compared with 2023

Private schools say the impending addition of VAT to school fees is a big factor in the drop in pupil numbers this year, ahead of the cost of living and the falling national birthrate.

The Independent Schools Council (ISC) said a survey of 1,185 member schools in the UK found their rolls fell by 1.7% when the school year started last month, compared with 2023.