Portsmouth High School understands the financial impact on parents of the government’s recent addition of 20% VAT on independent school fees from 1 January 2025.
The Impact of VAT on Private Education Costs in the UK
As part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST), the school is committed to limiting the financial impact on families and will reduce its current fees by 6.67% in January before adding the required 20% VAT. This approach will limit overall fee increases for parents to 12% in January 2025.
Portsmouth High School’s Not-for-Profit Commitment to Value
Reducing the impact of VAT on parents is achievable by leveraging the power of the GDST network—a family of 26 girls-only schools—and through careful cost management and VAT reclamation on certain business expenses. This ensures the school can maintain its delivery of quality education and value for money. As a not-for-profit organisation, all income will continue to be reinvested into enhancing the girls’ educational experience.
Recognised for Quality and Value
Last summer, Portsmouth High School was recognised by The Telegraph as the best-value independent school in the local area, based on GCSE and A Level performance relative to fees.
Girls-Only Education: A Proven Advantage
Headteacher Mrs Sarah Parker emphasised the benefits of girls-only education, which often results in higher academic achievement, greater subject diversity, stronger self-confidence, and better career progression.
‘Girls tend to thrive in cooperative, discussion-led environments,’ she said. ‘Single-sex settings allow teachers and schools to focus more effectively on the needs of individual girls. There is evidence that girls achieve more when they are given their own dedicated space in which to develop”
‘We understand the impact that the VAT will have on our parents,’ Mrs Parker continued. ‘But rest assured, the school is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of education and supporting our students throughout their time at the school so that they thrive.’
Addressing VAT on Independent School Fees: Portsmouth High School’s Response
