Labour preparing for private school closures after VAT raid on fees, reports suggest

The Labour government’s bid to end tax breaks for private schools is set to come into effect next year - (PA)

Contingency plans are underway in Whitehall for a surge in demand for state school places amid concerns that private schools will shut due to fee increases, according to reports.

Officials are said to be bracing for the possibility that some private schools will close when the policy to impose VAT on school fees comes into effect in the new year.