Home Office figures show visa applications to study at UK independent schools fell by 23% in the first two quarters of 2024 compared to the same period in 2023.
It is likely numbers will drop further. In a snap poll, 68% of BSA education agents said international interest in UK boarding schools has declined since July 2024, with VAT seen as “the final drop of an increased financial burden over the years”.
The poll, conducted in September and October 2024, asked BSA Certified Agents, specialists in recruiting and placing students, how the introduction of VAT is affecting global perceptions.
One agent stated, “this tax penalty is making our clients think twice and wonder if the UK is still the holy grail of academia”, whilst another commented, “the reputation of British boarding is already damaged… while it was THE destination 10 years ago, it is now one of many”.
Post-Brexit it has become more expensive and complicated to study in the UK, with the introduction of a visa for European students and unfavourable exchange rates.
37% of agents reported an increase in interest in non-UK boarding schools since July 2024, with competitors including Europe and North America.
BAISIS, a BSA Group association, carried out a similar poll of UK schools with international students. One school commented, “we seem to have made ourselves (as a country) very unwelcoming over the past five years”.
BSA Director David Walker said, “Education has always been one of our strongest exports but we cannot assume international parents will buy into UK plc indefinitely. With international student numbers already down, now is not the time to tax education.”
Earlier this month, the Independent Schools Council (ISC) reported pupil numbers in UK independent schools were down by 1.7% in September 2024 compared to September 2023. The drop was larger in schools that offer boarding (2.4%). The ISC previously estimated international students at ISC schools contribute £2.1bn to GDP, with 62% attributed to students with overseas parents.
Categories: Sector News
