Vanessa Clarke

3 weeks ago | bbc.co.uk | Vanessa Clarke |Kate McGough |Phil Leake

Image source, Getty ImagesVanessa Clarke and Kate McGoughThe average cost of a place at a private school has increased by 22.6% in the last year – more than government estimates – after the introduction of VAT on fees, the body representing most UK independent schools says. The Independent Schools Council (ISC) says it expects a reduction in pupils applying for private school as a result but that it is too soon to know the full effects of the policy, which was introduced mid-year.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Chloe Aslett |Vanessa Clarke

Free breakfast club trial 'will make life easier'Chloe Aslett & Vanessa ClarkeVanessa Clarke/BBCYear three pupils Zara and Georgie say they are "breakfast club fans"Parents and teachers at a Sheffield primary school have welcomed the beginning of a scheme offering government-funded breakfast clubs. High Green Primary School is one of 750 schools in England taking part in a pilot allowing parents to access half an hour of free childcare each morning.

1 month ago | bbc.com | Vanessa Clarke

Britain's nursery problem: Parents still face 'childcare deserts'Vanessa ClarkeBBC"We have the one of the most expensive systems in the world… today I want to reform our childcare system". These words, spoken by the then-chancellor Jeremy Hunt in the 2023 Spring Budget, were a beacon of hope for thousands of parents paying an average of almost £15,000 a year to nurseries and childminders.

2 months ago | bbc.com | Vanessa Clarke

Private school parents must pay 'fair share', court toldVanessa ClarkeReporting fromRoyal Courts of JusticeBBCThe government has defended its policy of adding value added tax (VAT) to private school fees, telling the High Court it enhances "the fairness of the tax system overall".

2 months ago | bbc.com | Vanessa Clarke

Private school VAT 'discriminatory', court hearsVanessa clarkeReporting fromRoyal Courts of JusticeBBCThe government's policy of adding VAT to private school fees will "interfere with the fundamental right to education", the High Court has heard. In front of a packed court room, with headteachers and students in school uniforms listening from the public gallery, Lord David Pannick KC, argued the policy is discriminatory.