Pupils may face larger classes under Labour's school tax plan

Labour's VAT plan and potential impact

Pupils could find themselves learning in bigger classes if Labour's proposed school tax plan is implemented, a senior party figure has acknowledged. The plan includes adding a 20% VAT to private school fees, which could lead to an exodus from private schools to the state sector.

Shadow Attorney General's response

Shadow Attorney General Emily Thornberry addressed concerns about overcrowding, stating, "If we have to, in the short term, have larger classes, we have larger classes." She emphasized the importance of prioritizing resources for children's education over maintaining tax breaks for private schools.

Labour's plans and response from the private sector

Sir Keir Starmer aims to raise £1.7 billion by ending the tax break on private schools and investing in 6,500 new teachers if Labour comes to power. However, the private sector has expressed concerns that smaller schools may bear the brunt of the financial impact rather than prestigious institutions like Eton.

Education Secretary's criticism

Education Secretary Gillian Keegan criticized Labour's tax proposal, warning that it could result in larger classes in state schools and negatively impact children's education. Keegan highlighted the additional financial burden on parents and the potential repercussions on students due to what she termed "Labour's politics of envy."

In summary, the proposed VAT on private school fees under Labour's plan could lead to significant changes in the education landscape, potentially affecting class sizes and funding distribution in the state sector.