VAT Appeal - Prayer Requests

‍VAT Appeal Update and Prayer Requests

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The VAT case Christian Concern is bringing against the government, which was lost earlier this year, has been permitted to be appealed.  The VAT case appeal is scheduled to be heard in the Court of Appeal from Tuesday 20^th to Wednesday 21^st January 2026 at the Royal Courts of Justice, London.

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In our January 2026 newsletter, Mrs Santer welcomes parents and their children to attend the hearing with her on Tuesday 20th January. If you are interested in attending the hearing, please contact Mrs Santer directly via the school office.

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The King’s School, together with the Christian School’s Trust, are asking parents and supporters to join us in prayer during this time. The Christian School’s Trust have shared the following prayer points: 

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• Pray that there would be strong victory for religious liberty and educational choice which would result in a reversal of the VAT imposition, reinforcing the freedom for families to educate children according to faith and conscience, and uphold the longstanding principle that education should not be taxed

• Pray that the appeal would highlight the burden this policy places on the most vulnerable - families on modest incomes, those with SEND children, and military families - helping preserve their right to choose a Christ-centred education.

• Give thanks for CST schools which provide a distinctively Christian education, and that God would protect these faithful school leaders and their schools from the threat of closure as a result of the VAT policy

• That there would be justice, and that the judges will be able to discern true implications and motivations of this policy
  

• Pray for excellent media coverage, particularly with the demonstration outside the court on the morning of Tuesday 20^th, which would help facilitate a wider debate on the issues at stake
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For more information about the case you may like to read or watch the links below:

 

https://christianconcern.com/cccases/vat-on-schools-challenge/‍

https://christianconcern.com/news/government-to-face-judicial-review-from-christian-schools-over-vat-tax-raid/‍

‍https://thecritic.co.uk/the-private-school-exodus-dwarfs-treasury-predictions/

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About Us

The King’s School offers independent (private) Christian education for children aged 4-16 in Fair Oak, Hampshire.  Our affordable fees have been recognised by The Telegraph, naming us one of the 'Best Value Private Schools in the UK', receiving a "Very Good" rating in their latest independent review (2025). Our school grounds, easily accessible to Southampton, Romsey, Winchester and the surrounding area, are nestled in a quiet location with a woodland backdrop. 

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Our vision is to provide quality Christian education, where pupils grow in wisdom, stature and favour with God and man. At The King’s School, pupils enjoy their learning, are encouraged to have high aspirations and to treat others with kindness and respect. Through our Christ centred curriculum, pupils are supported to become secure and happy in who God has made them to be, and to find purpose in their God-given destiny. 

Rated EXCELLENT for pupils’ personal development - ISI Inspection 2023