Fall in pupils at private schools

THE number of pupils in private schools in England has fallen following the introduction of VAT on fees, Government figures show.

- By Eleanor Busby

In January, there were around 11,000 fewer pupils in independent schools compared with the same point last year.

The Government's policy to impose 20% VAT on fees was introduced on January 1.

There was a 1.9% year-on-year fall in pupils at private schools in England — down from 593,486 in January 2024 to 582,477 this year.