The Impact of VAT

5, we give a huge amount of information to parents about the process.” Parents then meet with Alison one-to-one and develop a strategy for each child and their individual strengths and interests.

Alison emphasised that the goal is finding: “The right school for the right child,” rather than chasing prestige. She commented: “That might be one of the most academically elite schools, but actually it might not be. It might be a school that’s got a broader academic range.” The key, though, is working closely with parents and students to find the schools that match their needs and supporting families through the application process.

Situated in the heart of London, Newton Prep celebrates its diverse community. Alison noted: “We draw families from a range of ethnic, cultural and religious backgrounds, and I think that [enables] the enrichment of the whole school community.” However, the school balances this diversity with a stable environment to support children’s development: “We are not an international school. The only reason I say this is because I think parents would want to know that their children are going to make friendships that will go a distance and won’t risk making friends with somebody who’s gone by the end of the year.”

Alison sees the school, therefore, as more than just a collection of individuals, stating: “We celebrate the success of every child. The school is something of a community; we are greater than the sum of our parts.”

The introduction of VAT on school fees presents a significant challenge for independent schools, and Alison spoke candidly about her concerns and disappointment. “I think it’s one of the saddest political moves that the Labour government could have made. I am so dismayed about it,” she shared, adding: “It’s such a clumsy, clunky response to the independent sector.”

Alison advocates, instead, for more creative solutions to address inequality, suggesting: “What about if you said every independent school in the country, whatever their size, has to give away 10% of their places? We could have given away sixty-five places to children from the local community and let them benefit from what’s here.”

As Alison prepares to step down, she reflects on her legacy and experience: “I am really proud of the academic excellence at Newton Prep. I am proud of my teachers; they are absolutely outstanding to work alongside.”

Her hopes for the school’s future are clear: “I want the staff who come here to be ambitious. I want them to take on positions of responsibility - Head of House, Head of Year, Head of Subject - so they’ve had all the educational life experiences.”

In terms of her own future plans, Alison reflected: “I really want to stay in the world of education. It’s my love. I would love to be involved in some way, whether it’s nurturing new heads or helping heads who find themselves in difficult situations.” www.newtonprepschool.co.uk

We would like to thank Mrs. Alison Fleming, Head of Newton Prep School, for giving up her time to speak to us.