Sir Keir Starmer’s alma mater, the independent Reigate Grammar School in Surrey is setting up overseas campuses in Saudi Arabia to provide a revenue stream to support the school’s bursary programme, The Telegraph has reported.

The first school is due to open in the desert kingdom due in the autumn.

Sean Davey, global business director at Reigate Grammar School International, said the move was in response to the Labour Party’s tax plans adding: “I would be heartbroken if private schools took the decisions to reduce bursary opportunities because VAT is levied on fees. If that was an outcome, it would be a tragedy because I see the children, some of their backgrounds and what a difference it makes.”