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The struggle is real.

The cost of sending children to private school will almost double after the introduction of VAT on fees, analysis suggests.

The parents of a privately educated child leaving school this year after A-levels are likely to have spent an average of £204,622 on fees, according to Weatherbys Private Bank. The cost of putting a child of the same age through boarding school is estimated to have been £413,471. However, costs vary widely with the Good Schools Guide putting the highest annual fees at £75,000.

Weatherbys says that for a child starting in reception at a private school this September the cost could ultimately reach £377,000 — £763,000 if they were boarding. This assumed annual inflation of 3 per cent, which accounts for two thirds of the increase, with VAT responsible for the rest.

Last September private schools put up fees by an average 6.7 per cent. When 20 per cent VAT was imposed in January, many schools initially cut fees by 5 per cent to cushion parents from the immediate impact, but overall, the average fee rose by about 22 per cent.

https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/money/article/total-cost-of-private-school-to-almost-double-to-380000-nh0bs330g

Buy a house (or two) near a good state school as prices will just go up.

I don’t think I’ve seen such relentless bad press for any other government. Of course not helped by the right wing media deciding that a lot of the problems caused mainly by the Tories is now to be owned by Labour alone . It’s pretty clear that had the Tories duped enough voters the country would still be in a mess .

Good morning, everyone.

It’s better to be feared than loved.
Though to be neither is the worst.

As I’ve probably observed before, principles in politics are traditionally seen as weakness or a burden. However in fact they are something that can provide the foundation of trying to enact unpopular or painful policies. If voters believe that politicians’ principles are sincerely held they tend to respect the holders even if they don’t agree with them. Unfortunately for SKS and Labour the general (probably correct) perception that they have no strong or consistent attachment to a principle is becoming entrenched.

Of course you also have the weird scenario where true believers have faith in the good intentions of the most obviously principle-free reprobates going. No names, no pack drill.

Don't forget the rest of Machiavelli's line. The most important thing is to avoid being hated.

Another one from Machiavelli. Wonder who it might apply to.

“The first method for estimating the intelligence of a ruler is to look at the men he has around him.”

The struggle is real.

The cost of sending children to private school will almost double after the introduction of VAT on fees, analysis suggests.

The parents of a privately educated child leaving school this year after A-levels are likely to have spent an average of £204,622 on fees, according to Weatherbys Private Bank. The cost of putting a child of the same age through boarding school is estimated to have been £413,471. However, costs vary widely with the Good Schools Guide putting the highest annual fees at £75,000.

Weatherbys says that for a child starting in reception at a private school this September the cost could ultimately reach £377,000 — £763,000 if they were boarding. This assumed annual inflation of 3 per cent, which accounts for two thirds of the increase, with VAT responsible for the rest.

Last September private schools put up fees by an average 6.7 per cent. When 20 per cent VAT was imposed in January, many schools initially cut fees by 5 per cent to cushion parents from the immediate impact, but overall, the average fee rose by about 22 per cent.

https://www.thetimes.com/business-money/money/article/total-cost-of-private-school-to-almost-double-to-380000-nh0bs330g

I don’t see how a 20% VAT increase can lead to an almost doubling of fees . As for Weatherbys Private Bank ! If the Times is looking to elicit some sympathy for the poor struggles of getting Tarquin /Lottie into private school then best not use this elitist bank !