Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has stated she is proud to be branded a "spiteful class warrior," a label applied by Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch. Phillipson suggested she might even have the phrase printed on a T-shirt, while also criticizing Badenoch's "unpleasant politics."
Badenoch accused Phillipson of presiding over a "disaster" in British education, impacting both private and public sectors. According to the report, a survey by a major teaching union found that zero percent of teachers believe Phillipson has performed well. Teachers have reportedly nicknamed Phillipson "Chippy Phippy," suggesting her policies are driven by class warfare against independent schools, ostensibly to bolster staffing in state schools. However, the notes indicate a drop of 2,000 in the state sector staff roll.
The impact on the private sector has been substantial, with thousands of jobs lost and children displaced, a situation described as likely to worsen. British independent education, previously a sector valued at an annual £14 billion and supporting 280,000 jobs, is reportedly shrinking, with figures from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) showing over 30,000 pupils have left the private sector for state schools. The Treasury is now expected to face an additional cost of £200 million and the need for more teachers to accommodate these students.
Several independent schools are facing closure. Exeter Cathedral School, with a history spanning 847 years, is set to close. Horris Hill Prep School and Abbotsholme School have also announced impending closures. Malvern St James, after 130 years of educating girls, and St Lawrence College are also shutting their doors. The report suggests that the policies, including VAT on fees, removal of business rates relief for private schools, and increased National Insurance premiums, have created a challenging environment.
Larger independent schools are adapting by broadening their appeal. Downe House and Harrow are entering a new partnership, and Sherborne School plans to become selectively co-educational, sharing teaching from three to 13 and for A-levels with Sherborne Girls School. Tonbridge School will begin admitting girls at sixth-form level in 2028. These adjustments are seen as a way to appeal to a shrinking pool of families able to absorb fee increases, while smaller schools are being pushed towards closure.
Exeter Cathedral School's closure has been particularly contentious. Parents enrolled their children with fees of £4,000 per term, rising to £6,900. The school governors cited financial difficulties in January, and a subsequent rescue operation by parents collapsed when the cathedral made a separate arrangement for its choristers. The school's buildings will be reclaimed by the cathedral.
One report highlights that the local Labour MP, Steve Race, has been vocal about the closure of a bingo hall but has not shown the same level of concern for the closure of the city's oldest school, which has resulted in more job losses. Race expressed sadness about the school's closure and reiterated the party's stance on ending tax breaks for private schools.
While Labour claims more private schools have opened under its tenure, the report states that 90 percent of these are small, specialist units for children with special needs, often state-funded. For mainstream education, the ISC reports that 64 mainstream independent schools have already closed, with more anticipated. An ISC source noted a projected two to three-year lag before the full impact is felt.
The report also touches on instances of sharp practice within the sector, with some schools offering discounts to attract students from struggling rivals. Concerns are also raised about schools potentially breaching Charity Commission rules by not declaring financial difficulties.
Horris Hill, a prep school near Newbury, faced a difficult situation when a fire destroyed a newly built boarding house just before its opening. Combined with the implementation of VAT on fees, this made the school unviable, according to its chief executive.
The closure of these schools is described as having a ripple effect on local businesses. The Department for Education stated that Bridget Phillipson has visited only one independent school during her two years in charge.