Ambassadors Argue that International Schools Should be Exempt from VAT

October 28, 2024 TruthUSA

The French and German envoys emphasized the significance of international schools for political, cultural relations, and inward investment.

Both the French and German ambassadors have urged for international schools to be exempt from Labour’s proposal to impose VAT on independent school fees. They expressed concerns that this move could potentially force many students out of these schools and discourage businesses from establishing operations in the UK.

In an interview with The Times on Sunday, German Ambassador Miguel Berger argued that these international schools, tailored to the French and German education systems, are essential for expatriates working in the UK temporarily and planning to return to their home countries.

Berger mentioned that Germany has 136 schools globally, including one in Richmond—the Deutsche Schule London—which serves around 900 students. He estimated that about 20 to 25 percent of students might be compelled to leave due to the VAT implementation.

Highlighting the significant state funding allocated to these schools, Berger stated, “It’s very difficult to make an assessment but we have heard that between 20 and 25 per cent might be obliged to leave the school.”

“They are totally distinct in character to normal British private schools and should be treated as such,” stated the German envoy.

He further stressed the importance of these schools for political, cultural relations, and inward investment.

“If we want companies to invest here and send their executives, they must be confident they can send their children to a German school that aligns with our national curriculum,” he added.

Resetting Relationships?

France’s education network in the UK, approved by the country’s education ministry, includes 11 schools with approximately 30 percent of pupils at risk of being affected, according to Paris’s ambassador to London.

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