Written questions by Hinds.

How many (a) pupils, (b) Key Stage 3 and 4 pupils and (c) 16-18 year-old pupils (i) were enrolled in state schools in September 2023 and (ii) are projected to be enrolled in state schools in September 2030.

The department publishes statistics on the number of pupils at schools in England based on January school census data. Figures for January 2024 are available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics.As of January 2024, 8,498,587 pupils of all ages were enrolled at state-funded schools in England, of which 3,248,903 were in Key Stage 3 or 4 and 451,638 were in Key Stage 5, which corresponds to post-16 education.A table showing the figures by school type can be viewed via this link: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/de8d81d9-1e57-408a-9fad-08dcca50353d.The most recent pupil projections, which provide the projected number of full-time equivalent pupils in schools in England, by type of school and age to secondary school, are published here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/national-pupil-projections.Due to the uncertainty in longer term fertility assumptions, pupil projections in this release are published up to 2028, rather than up to 2032 as was the case in previous years.

If she will make an estimate of the proportion of schools able to fully cover the incremental costs of the recommended pay increase using the funding announced.

The department is providing schools with almost £1.1 billion in 2024/25 through the Core Schools Budget Grant (CSBG) to support them with overall costs. This funding matches what the department has calculated is needed to fully fund, at a national level, the 5.5% teacher pay award and the support staff pay offer in the 2024/25 financial year, after accounting for the overall available headroom in schools’ existing budgets.The department’s judgement of affordability is based on national figures, which equates to the position of an “average” school. The funding system is not designed so that every school gets the same funding increase every year: it is designed so that schools seeing the largest pressures typically attract the largest funding increases. It does not match each individual school’s precise costs, as schools have autonomy over their own spending.

How many submissions her Department received to the consultation entitled Gender questioning children: draft schools and colleges guidance, open from 19 December 2023 to 12 March 2024.

The public consultation entitled ‘Guidance for Schools and Colleges: Gender Questioning Children’ received over 15,000 responses.The government is clear that it is vitally important that teachers have clear guidance, which is why the department will look carefully at the consultation responses over the autumn before responding formally and setting out the next steps to take the Gender Questioning guidance forward.

When her Department plans to publish its response to the consultation entitled Guidance for Schools and Colleges: Gender Questioning Children which closed on 12 March 2024

The public consultation entitled ‘Guidance for Schools and Colleges: Gender Questioning Children’ received over 15,000 responses.The government is clear that it is vitally important that teachers have clear guidance, which is why the department will look carefully at the consultation responses over the autumn before responding formally and setting out the next steps to take the Gender Questioning guidance forward.

Whether she has carried out an equality impact assessment of proposed tax changes on independent schools.

The Government is committed to breaking down barriers to opportunity, ensuring every child has access to high-quality education, which is why we have made the tough decision to end tax breaks for private schools. This will raise revenue for essential public services, including investing in the state education system This VAT change will not impact pupils with most acute additional needs where these can only be met in private schools, as determined by an Education and Health Care Plan in England, and equivalent processes in other nations. Where pupils are placed in a private school because their needs cannot be met in the state sector, and they have their places funded by their Local Authority, the Local Authority will be able to reclaim the VAT they incur on these pupils’ fees. In Northern Ireland, it will be the Education Authority who fund placements in private schools and will be able to reclaim the VAT in this way.The government will publish a Tax Information and Impact Note setting out the impacts of the changes, including the equalities impacts, alongside the Finance Bill.

How many unfilled places there are at key stages 3 and 4 in state schools in (a) City of Bristol, (b) Kingston upon Thames, (c) Richmond upon Thames, (d) Salford and (e) Surrey; and how many pupils of those ages there are in independent schools in each of those areas.

Information on state-funded school places as at May 2023 is published at local authority level in the annual School Capacity statistics publication which can be found at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity.The total number of secondary unfilled places in these local authorities can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/94cbcc62-9d1a-4ab1-cf21-08dcca5019b8.This includes sixth forms as well as key stages 3 and 4 for schools with sixth forms. Data are not available by year group or key stage.Data is collected from independent schools through the school level annual school census; this does not include phase but does include age of pupils. This information is published in the 'Schools, pupils and their characteristics’ publication at: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics.Information on the number of pupils aged 11 to 15 enrolled in independent schools in January 2024 for these local authorities can be found here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-tables/permalink/67d55589-96d7-4445-9fa8-08dcca50353d.However, please note that age does not necessarily directly align to state-funded sector primary, secondary and post-16 schools.

Whether she plans to amend the budget of the Music and Dance Scheme after January 2025.

The government is committed to supporting specialist education in the creative sector, including the Music and Dance Scheme (MDS). This remains an important programme for giving opportunities for young people, allowing them access to specialist training and a pathway into the creative industries. All the education providers on the scheme have been issued with grant funding agreements for the 2024/25 academic year and the final budget is set on the basis of the number of places that are filled and the relevant household income of parents or carers. The department is engaging with the eight providers that are private schools and are therefore subject to the VAT changes planned for January 2025. All the schools have also been made aware of the HM Treasury technical consultation which is open to 15 September, and they will be informed of the outcome of the consultation later this year. The government is committed to extending opportunities for children and young people in the arts through a broader curriculum, ensuring all pupils in state-funded schools can access creative subjects such as music, alongside subjects such as maths and English. Around 93% of school children in the UK attend state schools and ending the tax breaks on VAT, and business rates, for private schools is a tough but necessary decision that will secure additional funding to help deliver the government’s commitments relating to education and young people.

Whether (a) music schools, (b) dance schools and (c) Centres for Advanced Training will be exempt from VAT after January 2025.

On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools. All institutions that meet the definition of a private school set out in the draft legislation are within scope of this policy. The draft legislation can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1f8a3c2a28abb50d8c1/Private_Schools_Draft_Legislation_-_DIGITAL.pdf This definition includes music schools, dance schools, Centres for Advanced Training, and tuition centres where they charge fees for full-time education for pupils of compulsory school age. Institutions that charge fees for full-time education suitable for people over compulsory school age but under 19 (such as sixth forms) are also within scope of this policy. All education services, vocational training, and boarding services provided by institutions that meet this definition of a private school will be subject to VAT, including extracurricular classes. The VAT treatment of Special Educational Needs therapies will depend on the type of therapy and who it is provided by. If the therapy is a means of supporting the education delivered to and is provided by the private school, it will likely be subject to VAT. If it is a type of therapy that qualifies for the health and social care VAT exemptions (for instance, occupational therapy), it will remain exempt from VAT. This policy does not affect the VAT treatment of services provided by an unconnected third-party who carries out their services on a private school’s premises. The full fees of pupils in receipt of funding through the Music and Dance Scheme will be subject to VAT. The right time to consider any changes to schemes such as the Music and Dance Scheme is at the Spending Review. The Government does not expect fees to go up by 20% as a result of this policy change, and the Government expects private schools to take steps to minimise fee increases. Further details on this policy can be found in the technical note published alongside the legislation. The technical note can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1bdce1fd0da7b592eb6/Technical_Note_-_DIGITAL.pdf HMRC will also be publishing bespoke guidance for schools, and holding support sessions to help them understand their liabilities as a VAT-registered business.

Whether families in receipt of funding for attending a specialist school through the Music and Dance Scheme will be exempt from paying VAT on the remainder of those fees.

On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools. All institutions that meet the definition of a private school set out in the draft legislation are within scope of this policy. The draft legislation can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1f8a3c2a28abb50d8c1/Private_Schools_Draft_Legislation_-_DIGITAL.pdf This definition includes music schools, dance schools, Centres for Advanced Training, and tuition centres where they charge fees for full-time education for pupils of compulsory school age. Institutions that charge fees for full-time education suitable for people over compulsory school age but under 19 (such as sixth forms) are also within scope of this policy. All education services, vocational training, and boarding services provided by institutions that meet this definition of a private school will be subject to VAT, including extracurricular classes. The VAT treatment of Special Educational Needs therapies will depend on the type of therapy and who it is provided by. If the therapy is a means of supporting the education delivered to and is provided by the private school, it will likely be subject to VAT. If it is a type of therapy that qualifies for the health and social care VAT exemptions (for instance, occupational therapy), it will remain exempt from VAT. This policy does not affect the VAT treatment of services provided by an unconnected third-party who carries out their services on a private school’s premises. The full fees of pupils in receipt of funding through the Music and Dance Scheme will be subject to VAT. The right time to consider any changes to schemes such as the Music and Dance Scheme is at the Spending Review. The Government does not expect fees to go up by 20% as a result of this policy change, and the Government expects private schools to take steps to minimise fee increases. Further details on this policy can be found in the technical note published alongside the legislation. The technical note can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1bdce1fd0da7b592eb6/Technical_Note_-_DIGITAL.pdf HMRC will also be publishing bespoke guidance for schools, and holding support sessions to help them understand their liabilities as a VAT-registered business.

What the VAT treatment for SEND therapies provided to independent school pupils will be after 1 January 2025 where (a) the therapy is provided by the school and (b) the therapy is provided by an external provider.

On 29 July, the Government announced that, as of 1 January 2025, all education services and vocational training provided by a private school in the UK for a charge will be subject to VAT at the standard rate of 20 per cent. This will also apply to boarding services provided by private schools. All institutions that meet the definition of a private school set out in the draft legislation are within scope of this policy. The draft legislation can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1f8a3c2a28abb50d8c1/Private_Schools_Draft_Legislation_-_DIGITAL.pdf This definition includes music schools, dance schools, Centres for Advanced Training, and tuition centres where they charge fees for full-time education for pupils of compulsory school age. Institutions that charge fees for full-time education suitable for people over compulsory school age but under 19 (such as sixth forms) are also within scope of this policy. All education services, vocational training, and boarding services provided by institutions that meet this definition of a private school will be subject to VAT, including extracurricular classes. The VAT treatment of Special Educational Needs therapies will depend on the type of therapy and who it is provided by. If the therapy is a means of supporting the education delivered to and is provided by the private school, it will likely be subject to VAT. If it is a type of therapy that qualifies for the health and social care VAT exemptions (for instance, occupational therapy), it will remain exempt from VAT. This policy does not affect the VAT treatment of services provided by an unconnected third-party who carries out their services on a private school’s premises. The full fees of pupils in receipt of funding through the Music and Dance Scheme will be subject to VAT. The right time to consider any changes to schemes such as the Music and Dance Scheme is at the Spending Review. The Government does not expect fees to go up by 20% as a result of this policy change, and the Government expects private schools to take steps to minimise fee increases. Further details on this policy can be found in the technical note published alongside the legislation. The technical note can be found online here: https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/66a7a1bdce1fd0da7b592eb6/Technical_Note_-_DIGITAL.pdf HMRC will also be publishing bespoke guidance for schools, and holding support sessions to help them understand their liabilities as a VAT-registered business.

What the average time was for an organisation to become VAT registered with HMRC in the last 12 months.

In the last 12 months, from 1 August 2023 to 31 July 2024, the average time for an organisation to receive a decision on their VAT registration application was 14 working days.

What communications she plans to issue to smaller independent schools on the proposed application of VAT to private school fees.

The government recognises that, for many private schools, this will be the first time they have needed to register for VAT. The government is committed to supporting these schools to ensure that the registration process is as smooth as possible for them, and to ensuring they have the necessary support in order to be able to correctly charge VAT and remit it to HMRC. Ahead of 1 January 2025, HMRC will be:- publishing bespoke guidance products on GOV.UK- updating registration systems, and- putting additional resource in place to help process applications. HMRC will also be contacting private schools directly to provide information about support sessions.

What proportion of state school sixth forms are (a) at and (b) over capacity in (i) City of Bristol, (ii) Camden, (iii) Haringey, (iv) Kingston upon Thames, (v) Richmond upon Thames, (vi) Southwark, (vii) Stockport and (viii) Surrey.

Information on state-funded school places as at May 2023 is published at local authority level in the annual School Capacity statistics publication, which can be found at the following link: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity. School level data for sixth form capacity and number on roll is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/data-catalogue/data-set/ee325991-147a-4e4d-ba55-8dd5fdc8d160. This can be used to identify schools at, or over, capacity, and then the proportion of schools within a local authority can be calculated.The number of sixth form pupils on roll is higher than the reported capacity in: (i) five of the ten school sixth forms in the City of Bristol (50%), (ii) all ten of the school sixth forms in Camden (100%), (iii) three of the six school sixth forms in Haringey (50%), (iv) four of the ten school sixth forms in Kingston upon Thames (40%), (v) five of the ten school sixth forms in Richmond upon Thames (50%), (vi) six of the 15 school sixth forms in Southwark (40%), (vii) the only school sixth form in Stockport (100%) and (viii) 11 of the 28 school sixth forms in Surrey (39%).School sixth forms often have higher numbers on roll than reported capacity, due to the subjects offered and timetabling.

If she will publish guidance for independent schools on (a) VAT registration and (b) operation of the new system for VAT on school fees.

The government recognises that, for many private schools, this will be the first time they have needed to register for VAT. The government is committed to supporting these schools to ensure that the registration process is as smooth as possible for them, and to ensuring they have the necessary support in order to be able to correctly charge VAT and remit it to HMRC. Ahead of 1 January 2025, HMRC will be:- publishing bespoke guidance products on GOV.UK- updating registration systems, and- putting additional resource in place to help process applications. HMRC will also be contacting private schools directly to provide information about support sessions.

What resources her Department plans to provide HMRC to support independent schools become VAT registered by 1 January 2025.

The government recognises that, for many private schools, this will be the first time they have needed to register for VAT. The government is committed to supporting these schools to ensure that the registration process is as smooth as possible for them, and to ensuring they have the necessary support in order to be able to correctly charge VAT and remit it to HMRC. Ahead of 1 January 2025, HMRC will be:- publishing bespoke guidance products on GOV.UK- updating registration systems, and- putting additional resource in place to help process applications. HMRC will also be contacting private schools directly to provide information about support sessions.

Pursuant to the Answers of 2 August 2024 to Question 1652 on Pupil Numbers and Question 1653 on Further Education: Students, if she will bring forward publication of data on the (a) available capacity in (i) state secondary schools and (ii) school sixth forms and (b) numbers of pupils in independent-sector schools at equivalent ages by parliamentary constituency using current boundaries.

The department publishes annual statistics on the capacity and pupils on roll in schools each spring at the following link: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-capacity and on the number of students enrolled in independent schools each summer, at the following link: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics. In accordance with the Code of Practice for Statistics, statistics publications are pre-announced on the GOV.UK website and can be accessed here: https://www.gov.uk/search/research-and-statistics?content_store_document_type=upcoming_statistics&organisations%5B%5D=department-for-education&order=updated-newest. Currently, the department has no plans to change this publication schedule. The scheduling ensures that statistics are released as soon as they are ready, while abiding by standards set by the Code of Practice for Statistics, in terms of trustworthiness, quality and value. The Code can be found at the following link: https://code.statisticsauthority.gov.uk/.Where statistics were published prior to the changes in parliamentary constituency boundaries, they will be updated to reflect the new boundaries in the next publication of statistics. This is expected to be in March 2025 for school capacity statistics and in June 2025 for statistics on schools and pupils, including independent schools.It may be useful to note that the data requested is published at school level. This can be combined with information from ‘Get Information About Schools’ (GIAS) to identify parliamentary constituency. GIAS currently reflects the changes made following the general election parliamentary constituency changes and is accessible here: https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/. Updates to geographical data are made on a quarterly basis using data published by the Office for National Statistics.

What her policy is on the future of the Early Years Stronger Practice Hubs programme.

The department is committed to ensuring that every child in an early years setting receives high quality education and care. Evidence shows that this has a positive impact on outcomes in both the short and long term, particularly for the most disadvantaged children. The Stronger Practice Hubs Programme launched in 2022 to address the COVID-19 pandemic’s impact on the youngest children, with a focus on the most disadvantaged areas. The Hubs support early years settings and childminders by sharing effective practice, learning from the best available evidence, and building lasting local networks. The department is pleased to confirm that the Stronger Practice Hubs programme will be extended until 31 March 2025.

What his planned timetable is for completion of the new Basingstoke and North Hampshire hospital.

We recognise the need for investment in National Health Service estates across the country, including in Hampshire. We will provide the investment and reform needed to get patients the care they deserve.As my Rt hon. Friend, the Secretary of State for Health and Social Care announced, and as subsequently confirmed in my Rt hon. Friend, the Chancellor of the Exchequer’s statement on 29 July 2024, we will be undertaking a full and comprehensive review of the New Hospital Programme to provide a realistic and costed timetable for delivery.

Whether she has set aside capital funding for the provision of potential additional places in state schools in the event they are required as a result of pupils moving from the independent sector to the state sector.

Education is at the heart of the government’s mission to break down barriers to opportunity so every child gets the best start in life. Ending tax breaks on private schools will help raise revenue to drive forward the change this government is committed to deliver. The department is supporting HM Treasury, which will deliver the tax changes. Further details were published by the government on 29 July 2024 and can be found here: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/vat-on-private-school-fees-removing-the-charitable-rates-relief-for-private-schools. The department collects pupil forecasts and school capacity data from local authorities annually through the School Capacity survey. This data shows that, in May 2023, 11.7% of primary capacity and 11.5% of secondary capacity was unfilled nationally, meaning school places are available in many parts of the country.

What proportion of the proposed additional nursery places in primary schools will be (a) year-round and (b) term-time only.

There are a range of models of nursery provision run on school sites, including nursery classes attached to primary schools, provision for 2 year olds and full day care run by schools, as well as private and voluntary providers running provision on school sites. The department will be working closely with the sector as it develops this commitment to ensure new nursery provision meets the varied needs of parents, children and schools.