Muslim schools 'could be forced to close' due to VAT on private fees

The future of most of the UK’s Muslim schools is under threat because of the Government’s decision to charge VAT on private school fees it is claimed.

An analysis of the accounts of Islamic independent schools, seen by i, suggests that 70 per cent of them will not be financially viable and could ultimately face closure if the 20 per cent tax is introduced in January.

Sir Keir Starmer is being urged by MPs to save them by giving private schools charging fees of less than £5,000 a year an exemption from VAT – a move that would protect the Muslim education sector.