Just got a written answer which leaves open a chink of light for special schools which the government is about to hit with business rates. Govt "will consider" it. That's better than a flat no, but government should not be hitting schools full of disabled kids with extra tax.

Lord Lexden, ISA President, passionately addressed the House of Lords on the upcoming VAT policy's impact on independent schools. He warns of the potential harm to children's education and well-being. Read his full speech here: t.ly/ZoBrV

Lord Lexden, The Independent Schools Association (ISA) president, opened a House of Lords debate yesterday on the potential impact of VAT on fees. During the session, Peers from across the political spectrum warned of the unintended consequences for schools and families bit.ly/47gW3hA🧵

It was a privilege to attend the House of Lords debate yesterday on the implementation of VAT on school fees. The Lords were almost unanimous in their appeal to the government to reconsider this policy. My thanks to all who stand up for our children. Independent Schools The Independent Schools Association (ISA)

It has long struck me as odd that Labour's policy will harm the least well-off independent schools while potentially helping the most well-off (if they reclaim VAT from capital expenditure while passing the full 20% cost of VAT onto parents). spectator.co.uk/article/labour…

This year, the MCB proudly launches “Visit My Mosque 2024,” a nationwide campaign where mosques open their doors to invite local communities in for tea, talks, and tours🕌☕️ Our theme for the campaign “Sharing Stories” comes in the aftermath of national unrest and extreme

Oh God! This is just...

I'm really pleased to see my MP Helen Maguire BEM MP 🔶 highlighting the need to change gun licensing laws. These changes would be an important legacy for Emma and Lettie. bbc.com/news/articles/…

Thank you to our wonderful parents and students who contributed to the filming and article with the BBC News (UK) today Independent Schools The Independent Schools Association (ISA) The Labour Party bbc.co.uk/news/articles/…

Well done to Athena (and mum) today for the BBC News (UK) filming at our school in explaining so well the difference Moon Hall has made. Bridget Phillipson Keir Starmer The Labour Party Independent Schools The Independent Schools Association (ISA) Department for Education BBC Surrey BBC South East BBC Education

Yeah, about that Olympic flame being lit in 1988... (FWIW, the 1988 Olympics were the first games I have a meaningful memory of, and I love them for that, but that flame left a dove-shaped burn in my memory.) youtube.com/watch?v=8dgXRX…