Labour’s decision to add VAT to school fees shows that the party has an irrational hatred of posh schools. Hiking fees might bring in relatively little money, but that hardly matters when there is a class war to be fought. While the targeting of private schools has grabbed the headlines, another story – with equally disastrous consequences – has gone under the radar. Hellbent on hurting private schools, the government has made a decision that will deny our brightest kids the best possible future.
For years, Eton College, the world’s most famous school, had hoped to make a difference in overlooked English towns, in a partnership with Star Academies, a leading academy trust whose students achieve top exam grades. Their plans were complete and, within months, Eton was set to begin building three sixth form free schools in areas of low academic attainment (Middlesbrough, Dudley and Oldham). The schools could have ensured that children there had a chance to get a world-class education, win places at the most selective universities and go on to great things.
To ensure these new sixth forms had top-notch facilities and an inspiring extra-curricular offer, Eton had pledged millions of its own money, on top of agreed government pupil funding.
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