- State schools to benefit as
government proposes to reduce the unfair taxpayer subsidy of
private school Ofsted inspections
- Taxpayers currently subsidising
£4.3 million annually for private school inspections, diverting
public money away from where it's needed most
- Funding boost for Ofsted to improve
state schools, break down barriers to opportunity and keep
children safe as part of Plan for Change
Millions of children in state schools are to benefit from funds
set to be recovered under plans to reduce the unfair taxpayer
subsidy for private school inspections.
The Department for Education has today (September 25) launched an
8-week consultation to tackle the unjust subsidy which has seen
taxpayers bankroll two thirds of inspection costs for private
schools.
The funding recovered will go to Ofsted to strengthen its work to
keep children safe and improve the lives of millions of children
in state education.
Currently, taxpayers are subsidising private school inspections
to the tune of £4.3 million annually.
It's part of the government's Plan for Change mission to break
down barriers to opportunity for all, by creating a world-class
state education system where every child can achieve and
thrive.
Education Secretary, , said:
“The taxpayer shouldn't be subsidising private businesses in this
way. Instead, we're putting money into driving up standards for
children in state schools.
"Every child deserves the best start in life, no matter where
they grow up, and we are determined to break the link between
background and success through our Plan for Change.
“With more money in state school budgets and a better-equipped
Ofsted, we're supporting every child to achieve and thrive.”
The move supports the government's broader policy in ending tax
breaks for private schools, which will raise £1.8 billion a year
by 2029/30, raising vital funds for frontline public services
including by recruiting 6,500 expert teachers into the state
schools educating 94% of children. The government is already
delivering on this pledge, with 2,300 more secondary and special
school teachers in classrooms across the country this year.
This sits alongside wider work to drive high and rising standards
in every school and keep children safe, including through the
Children's Wellbeing & Schools Bill, the expansion of free
school meals, free breakfast clubs across the country and new
school improvement teams to focus on the areas of the country,
and schools, where performance is weakest.
Today's consultation proposes that cuts to the subsidy will be
phased over five years to allow private schools time to adjust.
Starting from 2026 academic year, changes would be dependent on
the type of inspection and size of the setting, with smaller
private schools having a steadier decrease in subsidy.
The consultation runs from 25 September to 20 November 2025.
