Written question asked by Bradley Thomas (Conservative) on Friday, 13 June 2025, in the House of Commons. It was due for an answer on Tuesday, 17 June 2025. It was answered by Al Carns (Labour) on Monday, 23 June 2025 on behalf of the Ministry of Defence.

Cadets: Schools

Question: To ask the Secretary of State for Defence, what assessment he has made of the potential impact of charging VAT on independent school fees on cadet force partnerships between state and independent schools.

Answer

Both independent schools and state schools with established Combined Cadet Force contingents continue to play an important role in supporting junior partners. There are currently 45 ‘junior partnerships’ where independent schools are supporting state schools to set up and run their cadet units.

Changes to VAT on independent school fees came into effect in January 2025, midway through the school academic year. There is no current evidence of impact.

Given the fantastic benefits which can be gained from the cadet experience the Government wants more young people to be able to become cadets. The recently published Strategic Defence Review recommended an expansion of Cadet Forces across the country by 30% by 2030.

Secondary information

Type: Written question
Reference: 59928
Session: 2024-26
Subjects: Cadets Private education Schools VAT
Link: View this Written question on www.parliament.uk

Cadets: Schools

Secondary information

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