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Private school fees are always on the rise but with the introduction of VAT, costs to families will jump considerably. We asked Joe Askew of Selina Finance to detail the range of options available to parents who have to reassess how they pay for their children's private school education. 

Illustration showing a hand placing coins in stacks with arrow in the background indicating growing investments11 October 2024

The prospect of rising school fees is a significant concern for many parents in the UK, especially with the new Labour government’s proposal to levy a 20% VAT on private school fees. Private school fees in the UK have been steadily rising, with the average cost for a day school exceeding £18,000 per year and boarding fees reaching over £42,000.

Private education remains a priority for many families, making the issue of affordability increasingly urgent with VAT expected to be implemented at the start of 2025. Despite the efforts of many schools who are prepared to shoulder some of the burden by absorbing part of the increase themselves, there is concern that the proposed increase in costs could force parents to withdraw their children from the private sector. However, parents have several options to help them manage the costs if they decide that it is the right choice for them and their children:

Monthly Payment Plans

Some schools offer monthly payment plans that allow parents to spread the cost of fees evenly over the year instead of paying termly lump sums.

Pros:

  • Reduces the pressure of lump-sum termly payments
  • Can assist with household budgeting

Cons:

  • Only alleviates the timing of payments, not the overall financial burden if your annual income is insufficient to meet the full fees for each academic year

Paying Fees in Advance

Some schools offer ‘fees in advance’ schemes, which allow parents to pay fees upfront, sometimes several years in advance.

Pros:

  • Locks in current fee rates and protects against future increases
  • Useful for those with available funds who wish to prepay

Cons:

  • Anti-forestalling measures have eliminated the ability to avoid VAT by paying in advance
  • Reduces personal financial flexibility, as funds are tied up long-term

Personal Loans & Unsecured Loans

Personal loans and unsecured loans are another option for parents needing to cover school fees.

Pros:

  • Easy to obtain as they don’t require collateral
  • Suitable for parents who need to cover short-term or smaller gaps in school fees but may not require a larger, long-term loan

Cons:

  • Higher interest rates compared to secured loans, making them more expensive in the long term
  • Less favourable repayment terms, meaning monthly repayments can still be high, potentially adding financial strain rather than relieving it, especially if larger sums are required for multiple terms or years

Traditional Secured Finance

Traditional secured finance options, such as further advances and second charge mortgages, offer parents a way to use the value tied up in their home to access funds for covering school fees

Pros:

  • Lower interest rates make it more affordable for parents needing to borrow large sums to cover several years
  • Could benefit parents who need a large lump sum to cover school fees upfront or in advance

Cons:

  • Requires borrowing the full loan balance upfront and paying interest on the entire amount, even if not all funds are needed immediately
  • Ties up home equity for the duration of the loan, which could limit future financial flexibility, especially if additional educational or household expenses arise
  • Risk of home repossession if repayments are not met

HELOCs

A growing number of parents are turning to innovative financial solutions such as a Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC). A HELOC allows parents to leverage their home equity, providing a flexible line of credit to draw on as needed.

Pros:

  • Flexible borrowing facility, allowing parents to borrow each term’s fees when they become due. For many, this will save on the total cost of borrowing.
  • Allows for manageable monthly payments by spreading the cost over up to 30 years
  • Lower interest rates compared to unsecured loans, often making it a more affordable option
  • No early repayment charges. If parents come into extra funds, such as a bonus or inheritance, they can pay this into the facility; , reducing the monthly payments, interest charged and outstanding balance without penalty

Cons:

  • Risk of home repossession if repayments are not met
  • Repayment schedules can still create financial strain if not managed carefully, particularly if unexpected expenses arise

Grandparent Assistance

Many grandparents are in a position to assist with their grandchildren’s education, and thereare several ways they can do this, including gifting wealth, setting up tax-efficient trusts, and using equity release mortgages. Advice should always be sought from a qualified adviser regarding tax or equity release mortgages.

Pros:

  • Gifting allows tax-free contributions up to £3,000 annually
  • Using trusts can be considered as a tax-efficient way to pass on wealth for educational purposes
  • Equity release can provide a lump sum or regular payments while retaining ownership of the property                             

Cons:

  • Trusts can be complex to set up and may require professional advice with ongoing fees
  • Equity release mortgages may reduce the estate value passed to future generations

It's worth planning ahead

Many schools, particularly preparatory schools, have reported a slowdown in demand for new students over the past year, with parents understandably worried about the affordability of fees. Even if your children are very young, it's never too early to consider how you’ll finance their education. By exploring all available options, staying informed, and taking a proactive approach, parents can find the right balance to ensure their children receive a quality education, turning a stressful situation into a manageable one.

Selina Finance is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN 820183). Your home may be repossessed if you do not keep up repayments on a mortgage or any other debt secured on it.


Headshot of Joe Askew of Selina FinanceJoe Askew is Head of Private Clients at Selina Finance. He is a qualified mortgage advisor with over 20 years of experience in the financial industry

Selina Finance is a UK-based lender offering flexible Home Equity Line of Credit (HELOC) solutions. Their innovative products help homeowners access the equity in their property, providing affordable financing options for education costs, home improvements, or managing financial commitments.

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