Portrait of Jeremy Corbyn
Politician · policy
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Jeremy Corbyn on Private Schools

Vocal opponent (strong)

TL;DR

Jeremy Corbyn strongly advocates for ending the segregation of the education system by abolishing private schools.

Key Points

  • He backed a policy to impose VAT on private school fees as part of his broader approach to education funding.

  • His position has consistently called for the abolition of independent schools to achieve greater equality in the education system.

  • He faced questions regarding commitment on the policy, with reports suggesting a refusal to commit to abolition in 2019.

Summary

Jeremy Corbyn has positioned himself as a staunch critic of the independent school sector, advocating for a policy to fully integrate them into the state education system. This core stance involves plans to abolish private schools and incorporate their assets and students into the maintained sector. The rationale behind this position is rooted in a belief that the existence of fee-paying schools creates an unfair, two-tiered system that entrenches inequality and social division. He has supported measures such as imposing Value Added Tax (VAT) on private school fees as a transitional step toward this larger goal.

During his tenure as the leader of the Labour Party, this policy was a significant, though sometimes debated, plank of the manifesto, sparking internal party discussion regarding the practicalities and political risks. Supporters of this integration policy argue it would immediately benefit the state sector by freeing up substantial resources and leveling the educational playing field for all children. He has maintained this firm stance against independent education, framing it as essential for achieving genuine social justice within the UK's schooling structure.

Key Quotes

For starters, we will definitely [make] sure that all those private schools — public schools as they call themselves — will actually have to pay their taxes in a fair and proper way

How can it be safe if we are denied the basic right of sending our children to the school of our choice, just because of our faith?

Frequently Asked Questions

Jeremy Corbyn has a strongly negative position on private schools, consistently advocating for their abolition. He views the existence of fee-paying education as creating an unjust, two-tiered system that entrenches social inequality.

Yes, as Labour leader, he backed a policy agenda that included the ultimate abolition of independent schools. This was intended to fully integrate them into the state sector for greater equality.

He supported specific measures such as imposing Value Added Tax (VAT) on private school fees. This was often framed as a means to generate funds for the state sector and pressure the independent sector.