Irish boarding schools are hoping to benefit from the British government putting VAT on private school fees, with some now advertising online to attract students from the UK.
Since January 1 fee-paying schools in Britain have been subject to VAT of 20 per cent, with the Labour government planning to put the revenue towards hiring more teachers for state schools.
The tax has forced schools to raise student fees, which are an average of £15,000 (€17,800) for day schools and £36,000 for boarding schools. Fee-paying schools in Ireland are exempt from VAT.
The UK Independent Schools Council, a lobby group, is set to challenge the government’s policy in court next month.
Meanwhile The Sunday Times found that at least seven Irish fee-paying schools are advertising
