Daily summary of the latest news and opinions from the world of independent education bought to you by Education Advisers...

Labour's plan to tax private school fees to pay for free school meals in tatters

Jeremy Corbyn's plans to impose VAT on private school fees to pay for free meals for all primary school pupils have unravelled after questions were raised about the evidence used to justify the policy.

The Labour leader will say this morning that the universal roll out of free meals will boost the health and educational attainment of all children while ending a "subsidy to the privileged few". 

Angela Rayner, the shadow education secretary, told BBC Radio 4's Today programme: "The evidence from National Centre for Social Research and the IFS have both been quiet clear that actually providing universal school meals at primary level will raise attainment."

However, one of the co-authors of this report told the same programme that they had found a "slight improvement" on pupils' attainment, but "we certainly do not know if this impact will replicated nationwide".

Mike Buchanan, chair of the The Headmasters' and Headmistresses' Conference, said the proposals would hurt "hard working, dual income families who are working very hard".

The Independent Schools Council (ISC), representing private schools, said Labour's proposals did not add up and would force some smaller schools to close.

"Independent schools are fully aware of their social responsibilities and offer free and reduced cost places to children from lower income homes.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2017/04/06/jeremy-corbyn-announces-vat-rise-private-schools-policy-pay/

See also: Financial & Tax Planning for School Fees https://best-schools.co.uk/expert-advice-financial-and-tax-planning/ 

Supreme Court rules parents cannot legally take children out of school during term-time without permission

Parents who take their children out of school without permission to go holiday can be prosecuted, the Supreme Court has ruled, as a father lost a landmark legal battle over taking his daughter to Disney World during term-time.

Parents who take their children out of school on holiday - even if their child has regular attendance - can be prosecuted if they do not receive permission from the head teacher.

The Supreme Court judgment said that unauthorised term-time holidays were a “slap in the face to those obedient parents who do keep the rules, whatever the cost or inconvenience to themselves”.

A Department for Education spokesman said: “The evidence shows every extra day of school missed can affect a pupil’s chances of achieving good GCSEs, which has a lasting effect on their life chances.

http://www.telegraph.co.uk/education/2017/04/06/term-time-holidays-supreme-court-rule-parents-can-legally-take/

See also: Applying to a UK Private School https://best-schools.co.uk/find-a-school-about-applying-to-a-uk-private-schoo/