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Prosperous UK parents are more and more considering private institutions in continental Europe as soaring independent education costs compel them to pursue more cost-effective choices abroad.

Growing Inquiries from British Families

Swiss establishments have observed a noticeable increase in queries from British parents who are facing elevated fees domestically, following the application of a 20% VAT on independent schooling by the new government.

"We've been overwhelmed with inquiries," said the director of a German international school. "UK families has always been our biggest competitor. We offer a highly affordable price compared with UK schools."

The school, which operates as a nonprofit, has fees ranging from €12,500 per year for early learning to secondary school fees of up to €18,700 annually.

Economic Consequences of the VAT Change

The introduction of VAT to school fees was a key manifesto commitment by the current government. Officials stated the funds would be allocated in part to employ an additional educators for public education.

The measure was met with a series of appeals, though these were dismissed by the high court earlier this year.

Several private schools initially cut fees marginally to protect families from the full rise, but on average, fees have risen by 22.6% compared with the previous year.

European Alternatives Attracting Popularity

Schools in Switzerland are reporting a growing trend of demand from well-off British parents wanting to school their children abroad.

• More families are truly making the move to regions such as the Swiss lakeside or adjacent mountain villages.
• Pupils are moving out of renowned UK schools to become boarding students, aiming for a balance between world-class education and the exceptional opportunities offered by the alpine environment.

Sector Development and Funding

Expansion in the global schooling industry is attracting major capital. This week, a investment firm agreed a deal to acquire a 20% stake in an international schools group that priced it at €7 billion.

At the same time, one of the leading independent institutions in the UK is planning to establish campuses in Spain as it seeks to serve wealthy households exiting the country.

Changing Demographics

According to a recent census, the number of Italian students at British independent institutions with families living in the UK fell by 13% this year.

However, the number of American students with families living in the UK grew from 4,367 to 4,728 over the last year. Those from China also grew from 4,551 to 4,701.

"The imposition of VAT on UK education costs has prompted many parents to reevaluate the benefits they are receiving from the UK's educational system," commented the director of admissions at a Swiss international boarding school. "Legacy-wise, people were just automatically sending their kids to the same school they attended, but now there is more variety available."

This change has planted a seed among families, highlighting that there are other options out there beyond the conventional UK boarding school route.