Labour 'determined' to improve state school standards despite VAT row, Education Secretary claims

She highlighted a growing gap in outcomes between students from different socioeconomic backgrounds, exacerbated by the pandemic.

Despite this, Phillipson remained resolute, stating: "I'm determined to turn that around."

Her comments come amid controversy surrounding Labour's plan to impose VAT on private school fees, a policy that has sparked debate and led to changes in educational choices for some families.

Phillipson outlined plans to invest in state schools and improve apprenticeship opportunities, emphasising the need to provide young people with a range of options after age 16, including apprenticeships.

She explained: "We've got a big challenge around apprenticeships and I want to make sure that we get more young people having the opportunity to take on an apprenticeship."

The Education Secretary also revealed plans to convert the apprenticeship levy into a "growth and skills levy", aiming to offer businesses more flexibility and focus on training throughout workers' lives.

LATEST DEVELOPMENTS:

• Gambling stocks PLUMMET amid fears over £3billion Labour tax raid
• Labour minister REFUSES to rule out National Insurance hike for employers
• 'BBC always makes GB News the punchline!' Bev Turner in blistering attack: 'They think you're stupid!'

She explained: "The changes that we're setting out, converting the apprenticeship levy into a growth and skills levy, more flexibility for business, and more of a focus on training right throughout workers' lives, will be crucial where it comes to driving that mission of growth, getting more investment into our country, making sure that we remain an attractive place for businesses to come."

Noting the Government's controversial crackdown on private school VAT, Phillipson reaffirmed Labour's plan, claiming "parents can choose where they educate their children", but "I make no apology as Education Secretary for choosing to invest the money that we will raise in our state schools".

She added: "That's absolutely their right and their choice, but we know that has to be a priority. It's what voters across the country voted for, and they want to make sure that our state schools are getting the support that they need.

She defended the decision, emphasising that the "vast majority of your viewers will be more interested in what's going on within our state schools, because that's where the majority of children in our country receive their education. That's my priority".

The Independent Schools Council reported 10,000 fewer pupils enrolled at private schools this September compared to last year.

Tutoring firms have seen a spike in demand from families reconsidering private education.

James Grant, managing director of MyTutor, noted a 19 per cent year-on-year increase in parents signing up for tutoring services this September.

The shift away from private education has led to a boom in private tutoring. Roland Witherow, director of Witherow Brooke, reported an increase in inquiries from British families since Labour's announcement.

Will Orr-Ewing, founder of Keystone Tutors, noted heightened interest from families opting for state education supplemented by tutoring.

He explained: "More middle class professional families are now realising that they are perfectly happy with a state education and using their disposable income on tutoring."

MyTutor has seen increased demand for specialist subjects like Italian, German, Philosophy and Latin, which are less common in state schools.

This trend reflects a growing strategy among parents to "throw the kitchen sink" at supplementing their child's state education, as described by James Grant of MyTutor.