The prospect of a Labour government levying VAT to school fees could lead to independent schools establishing more satellite schools in Asia, the Middle East and Europe to increase revenue to offset the added expense, iNews has reported.

Dr Fiona Rogers, deputy chief executive of the Council of British International Schools, said: “The number of UK independent schools establishing an overseas footprint is continuing to increase steadily.”

A spokesperson at the Independent Schools Council commented: “As schools look for ways to reduce their reliance on fee-based income, some have taken up opportunities to establish international campuses and partnerships. The money generated is invested back in education in the UK, usually through bursaries and scholarships.”