Labour's new Education tax is a disaster waiting to happen for both independent and state schools in Fylde.
“There’s no way families can keep affording these fees if this tax comes in,” Snowden said. “Small private schools will be forced to shut, jobs will be lost, and our state schools will be pushed to the brink. I think it should be an accepted principle that we don’t tax education”
Fylde is home to 8 independent schools—5 of them special schools—serving over 1,800 pupils. Snowden warned that if these schools close, the impact will be felt far beyond just the families who send their children there.
With 37 state schools already educating more than 11,000 pupils, the sudden flood of new students would overwhelm the system, leading to overcrowded classrooms and strained resources.
“We’re not just talking about families whose children go to Kirkham Grammar or AKS here,” “This tax will hit all of us. State schools will be left picking up the pieces and children with additional educational needs, currently at special schools could be forced to leave if their schools close.”
Andrew also highlighted the economic blow this could have. Private schools contribute heavily to the local economy and work hand-in-hand with state schools on key initiatives. Losing them would be a crushing setback for the entire educational community across Fylde.
He has urged Secretary of State for Education Bridget Phillipson to reconsider the tax and has invited her to visit Fylde to hear directly from local parents.
