Sir Keir Starmer has been accused of “fudging the facts” about his education by the founder of a leading social mobility charity, amid ongoing controversy over the Government’s plans to impose VAT on private school fees.
Sir Peter Lampl, founder of the Sutton Trust and a former education adviser to Tony Blair, criticised the Prime Minister’s portrayal of his schooling at Reigate Grammar, which transitioned from a state-funded school to a private institution during Starmer’s time there.
Starmer’s schooling under scrutiny
Reigate Grammar was a state-funded school when Starmer joined, but it became an independent fee-paying school two years into his education. Starmer, along with other pupils in the same position, was able to continue his studies through a bursary provided by the local council.
However, in an article for The Telegraph, Sir Peter claimed that the Prime Minister has not been entirely transparent about his educational background.
“I don’t pretend the school we went to was a state school—Starmer does. But he is fudging the facts,” Sir Peter wrote. “I am helping young people to benefit from an education that made all the difference to me. Starmer is destroying the opportunities to have the same chances he had.”
Private school VAT plans spark debate
The remarks come amid fierce debate over the Government’s proposal to charge VAT on private school fees. The policy, aimed at raising £1.7 billion a year for state education, is intended to provide additional funding for state schools, which face challenges such as teacher shortages, budget constraints, and deteriorating infrastructure.
A Government spokesperson defended the decision, stating:
“Ending the VAT break for private schools means an additional £1.7 billion a year that can be invested in our state schools, where 94% of this country’s children are educated.
“This means more teachers, higher standards, and the best chance in life for all our children, as we deliver on our plan for change.”
However, critics argue that the tax could push many middle-class families out of private education, placing additional pressure on the already strained state school system.
Lampl’s criticism of government policy
Sir Peter, who until last year was chairman of the Sutton Trust, warned that the move would harm students by depriving them of extracurricular activities and reducing access to high-quality education.
“The regressive decision to charge VAT on school fees will deprive children of extra-curricular activities and vandalise the private sector,” he wrote.
Rather than imposing new taxes on private schools, Sir Peter argued, the Government should be working to increase partnerships between independent and state schools, ensuring that more children benefit from the resources and opportunities available in the private sector.
“The Prime Minister should be finding ways to better exploit and share what private schools have, and to open them up to a wider demographic,” he added.
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A divisive issue in education reform
The VAT policy has become a major point of contention, with supporters arguing that it will bring much-needed investment into the state sector, while opponents warn that it could damage independent schools and increase inequality in education.
Private school leaders have expressed concern that rising costs will lead to a decline in student numbers, potentially forcing some institutions to close. Some have also questioned whether the projected revenue from the VAT policy will genuinely lead to improved conditions in state schools.
Sir Keir Starmer has defended the policy as a necessary step towards a fairer education system. However, the renewed focus on his own schooling has raised questions about how he frames his personal background in political debates. With education expected to be a key battleground in the next general election, the debate over private school taxation and Starmer’s own educational journey is likely to remain in the spotlight
