Could Labour’s plan to put VAT on private schools lead to parents ‘Finding Religion’

Ah, the Labour Party, ever the beacon of fairness and redistribution, has yet again graced us with a stroke of genius. This time, it’s a plan to slap a VAT on private schools, those bastions of privilege and top-tier education.

Now, while the sight of Etonians and Harrovians squirming at the prospect of higher fees might bring a smirk to the faces of many, the ripple effects of such a policy deserve a closer examination. Could this lead to a surge of secular parents suddenly ‘finding religion’ to secure a spot for their offspring in church schools, thus dodging the financial blow? It’s a fascinating, if somewhat cynical, possibility.

Labour’s proposal to levy VAT on private school fees is not without merit. The intention is clear: generate revenue and level the playing field. Private schools, with their vast resources, extensive facilities, and polished alumni networks, do embody the stark inequalities within the British education system. Adding 20% to the already hefty fees could theoretically divert some funds to the underfunded state sector, potentially improving the quality of education for the many, not just the privileged few.

However, as with many well-intentioned policies, the devil is in the details. Private school parents are a resourceful lot. Faced with the prospect of even higher fees, one can imagine a scenario where the quest for an affordable yet high-quality education leads them to the gates of the Church of England – or indeed any religious institution offering state-funded education. Church schools, after all, have a reputation for maintaining rigorous academic standards, often rivalling their private counterparts.

So, are we on the brink of a religious revival, spurred not by a spiritual awakening but by a fiscal one? Picture the scene: the PTA meeting replete with parents who, until yesterday, couldn’t distinguish between a psalm and a parable, now eagerly attending Sunday services, volunteering at church events, and dusting off their old confirmation certificates. Cynical? Perhaps. But far from improbable.