Articles

Over the summer, we received a number of enquiries from schools following media coverage about whether our position on Fees in Advance (FIA) schemes had changed since the implementation of the VAT policy. 

Of all questions that our contracts lawyers are asked by schools, probably the most frequent relates to 'automatic extension' provisions in contracts.

From 11 November, UKVI will bring into the Immigration Rules a number of safeguards that have been operating as concessions since May. The focus is on clarity and consistency around guardianship, living arrangements and the documentation schools should see before issuing a CAS. Independent schools should review templates, processes and record keeping to ensure visa applications made from 11 November are compliant.

The Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) recently published its annual review of inspections for the academic year 2024-2025, marking the second year of the updated inspection framework introduced in September 2023. The report provides valuable insights into inspection trends and highlights areas where schools have struggled to meet compliance standards. Notably, compliance rates have dropped from 89.5% in 2023-2024 to 84.4% this year. 

Chancellor Rachel Reeves’ 2025 autumn budget is one of the most highly anticipated in recent years. The Chancellor faces the challenge of balancing promises on tax with the need to boost growth.

From 1 December 2025, employers must submit advance notification of collective redundancies using the new digital HR1 form.