VAT on Private School Fees: An Infringement on Our Right to Educate Our Children According to Our Convictions

As a parent of a child attending a Montessori school, I am deeply troubled by the recent decision to introduce VAT on private school fees. For many of us, choosing a Montessori education isn’t about consuming a luxury product—it’s about investing in a philosophy that recognises the unique developmental needs of every child. This tax, however, sends a clear message: if you choose an education that reflects your deeply held beliefs about how children learn and grow, you are deemed a consumer rather than a citizen exercising a fundamental right.

Montessori education is rooted in a commitment to child-centred learning, holistic development, and the belief that each child deserves an environment that nurtures their independence, creativity, and emotional well-being. It is an approach that prioritises genuine human development over the commodification of education. Yet, with the imposition of VAT on private school fees, the government appears to be undermining our freedom to choose an educational path that aligns with our philosophical convictions. It is a decision that not only burdens parents financially but also indirectly discriminates against those who seek educational diversity—diversity that the state sector has so far failed to provide.

For too long, parents who have chosen Montessori schools have done so despite the high costs. We already face the financial challenge of funding a system that is not supported by the state—a system that champions alternative, child-centred pedagogy as opposed to a one-size-fits-all approach to education. The sudden addition of VAT transforms an already expensive choice into an unaffordable one for many families, effectively narrowing our options and signalling that our preferred educational methods are a luxury rather than a legitimate alternative.

This move is more than just a fiscal policy decision—it is, in effect, an infringement on our human rights. Education is a fundamental right, and our ability to choose an educational setting that best supports our children’s development should not be hindered by arbitrary tax measures. When the state imposes additional financial burdens on parents who opt for Montessori schools, it is implicitly stating that these alternative methods are less valuable or even frivolous. This undermines the core principles of educational diversity and equal opportunity.

The argument that VAT is necessary to level the playing field ignores the unique contributions of Montessori education to society. Far from being a mere consumerist choice, Montessori pedagogy is a testament to the power of personalised, thoughtful learning that respects the individuality of each child. It is an educational approach that nurtures independent thinkers and compassionate citizens—qualities that are urgently needed in today’s complex world.

I want to make a clear distinction that this isn’t an argument against distributive justice; allocating resources to the broader population, but an infringement of pedagogical ideology that financially and philosophically discriminates against families who choose to look beyond the one size fits all.

In conclusion, the introduction of VAT on private school fees is not just a financial issue—it is a profound statement about how the government values educational diversity. It forces families into a narrow, state-sanctioned approach, effectively marginalising alternative educational philosophies that have proven their worth over a century of practice. For the sake of our children’s future and for the preservation of educational freedom, this policy must be reconsidered. We must ensure that our rights as parents to choose an education that aligns with our beliefs are protected, not penalised.