Demand for England’s grammar schools falls – despite VAT on school fees

Ending tax exemption for private education has not led to influx at selective secondaries predicted by critics

Claims that England's grammars will be swamped" in September by pupils priced out of private schools by VAT on fees are unfounded, data frommore than half of selective state schools suggests.

The number of children registered to sit the 11-plus entrance tests for grammar schools next September hasfallen slightly compared withlastyear.