Downside School is leading the charge against Sir Keir Starmer's plan to impose VAT on private school fees.

The policy, set to take effect in January 2025, has surprised the leadership of the Benedictine boarding school in Somerset, particularly given the lack of prior consultation with the independent sector.

The significant change was initially expected to be introduced in either April or September 2025. The sudden shift to a January implementation has left independent schools grappling with the implications for their students and the wider community.