Private schools across the UK are being forced to slash bursaries, cut jobs, and sever partnerships with state schools due to the Labour Government’s controversial new education tax, a shocking new poll by The Times has revealed.
The survey found that a staggering 63% of private schools are reducing bursaries, leaving thousands of pupils from low-income families at risk of losing their places.
The move comes as Labour presses ahead with its punitive taxation policy on independent schools, despite mounting warnings about the devastating impact on social mobility and education standards.
A headteacher who wishes to remain anonymous, told the Conservative and Reformer Post:
“This tax is not just a blow to independent schools—it’s a direct attack on opportunity. By cutting bursaries, we are being forced to turn away bright, hardworking pupils who simply can’t afford the fees. These are children who would have thrived in our schools, contributing to society in remarkable ways. Labour claims to be levelling the playing field, but in reality, they are pulling up the ladder for some of those who need it most.”
In a further blow, 38% of private schools are now making staff redundant, while a massive 60% are not renewing contracts—a move that will see experienced teachers and support staff forced out of their jobs. The consequences for students are dire, with growing concerns about increased class sizes and declining quality of education.
It doesn’t stop there—Labour’s tax grab is also putting an end to vital partnerships between private and state schools. 30% of private institutions have already cut ties with state schools, dismantling collaborative programmes that have provided essential resources, teaching expertise, and opportunities for thousands of pupils in the state sector.
At least 77 private schools have already closed or announced plans to shut down this year following the announcement of Labour’s devastating VAT tax hike.
Critics argue that Labour’s plans are building barriers to opportunity rather than breaking them down. By targeting independent schools with tax hikes, the government risks driving up fees, pushing out lower-income students, and deepening educational inequality. Many fear that this will lead to a two-tier system where only the wealthiest families can afford private education, while state schools—already under immense pressure—struggle to accommodate a sudden influx of displaced pupils.
Leading figures in education have slammed Labour’s approach as reckless and short-sighted. Former Education Secretary Michael Gove warned that the policy would “punish ambition and weaken social mobility,” while heads of leading independent schools have cautioned that the tax could force some institutions to close altogether.
Despite growing backlash, Labour remains defiant, insisting that the taxation of private schools is necessary to fund state education. However, with bursaries disappearing, jobs vanishing, and crucial partnerships being severed, many are questioning whether this is a price worth paying.
Many private schools are also now closing and state schools across the country are already warning that they lack the capacity to accommodate the influx of pupils transferring from the private sector.
As the crisis deepens, parents, educators, and policy experts are calling on Labour to reconsider its strategy before irreparable damage is done to Britain’s education system. With the future of thousands of students hanging in the balance, the question remains: will Labour listen before it’s too late?
