Image source, Getty ImagesByVanessa ClarkeSenior education reporterPublished27 February 2026 A legal challenge by a group of private schools over the government's decision to remove the VAT exemption on the fees they charge has been dismissed by the Court of Appeal. The schools are now hoping to apply for permission to appeal to the Supreme Court. The policy came into effect on 1 January 2025 and the government has said it would raise £1.8bn a year by 2029/30 which would help pay for more teachers at state schools in England. Last year, three separate claims were brought in the High Court against the government from families with children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), those attending same-sex schools, and low-paying faith schools. While the court did acknowledge the negative impact on some groups, including children with SEND and who attend faith schools, it said this was outweighed by the money raised for state sector schools.
Published: February 27, 2026 4:47 pm
Source: BBC — Read original