A Bill was debated yesterday in Committee in the House of Lords to remove charitable rates relief from eligible independent schools, except those with 50% or more pupils funded by an education, health and care plan.

Approximately 30 amendments were tabled tp the Non-Domestic Rates (Multipliers and Private Schools) Bill highlighting a wide range of issues – including special educational needs and disabilities education, faith schooling, military families, low-cost schools, bursary provision, and specialist arts and drama teaching.

During the debate, Lord Lexden, president of the Independent Schools Association, sought an amendment to replace “private school” with “independent school”, explaining that the latter is used more commonly in legislation.

Conservative peer Baroness Barran called for an impact assessment on the loss of independent school facilities shared with state schools and an annual report on how many pupils have been forced into the state system due to tax changes. She also highlighted concerns that these policies could harm independent schools and increase pressure on already full state schools in some areas.