The introduction of a 20% VAT on private school fees by the Labour government has resulted in a significant decline in enrollment, with 30,000 fewer students since the policy's announcement. The latest census from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) indicates that private school attendance has decreased from 556,551 to 526,611 pupils over two years, including a notable drop of 20,000 in the past year alone. This decline is attributed to financial pressures on families, as many are being priced out of private education. The ISC's chief executive, Julie Robinson, emphasized that these changes reflect real consequences for families' educational choices. The decline is particularly pronounced in primary and sixth form levels, with Year 12 enrollment falling by 6.6%. Furthermore, the overall pupil population in England has decreased by 0.66% during the same period, exacerbated by a declining birth rate. The shadow schools minister, Saqib Bhatti, criticized the policy, stating it disrupts education without delivering promised benefits.