Children challenge government in High Court over 'unprecedented' VAT hike on private schools

Teachers, parents and pupils protest outside the Royal Courts of Justice in London over the private school fees VAT policy. - (Aaron Chown/PA Wire)

The government’s decision to impose VAT on private school fees is “unprecedented” and may force vulnerable pupils to withdraw from classes, judges have been told in a High Court challenge to the controversial policy.

School pupils, their families and several faith schools have bought legal action against Chancellor Rachel Reeves, arguing the policy is discriminatory and a breach of human rights law.