The Government is facing renewed questions over one of its flagship education policies after official figures revealed there are fewer teachers in England’s state schools than a year ago, despite a pledge to recruit 6,500 additional teachers funded by VAT on private school fees.
New school workforce data published by the Department for Education shows the number of full-time equivalent teachers in state-funded schools fell by around 1,900 over the past year.
The figures have prompted criticism from opposition politicians, who argue that Labour’s promise to strengthen state education through its private school VAT policy is not being reflected in the overall workforce numbers.
Former Home Secretary James Cleverly said:
“Remember, Labour said the introduction of VAT on school fees was to pay for extra teachers. There are fewer teachers under Labour.”
Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott added:
“Labour promised 6,500 new teachers. Today we learned that there are 1,900 fewer teachers.”
The Government insists it remains on track to meet its pledge. Ministers say the commitment is measured through increases in teacher numbers across secondary schools, special schools, alternative provision settings and further education colleges, rather than across the entire school workforce.
According to the Department for Education, around 4,600 additional teachers have already been recruited towards the 6,500 target when measured against a 2023 baseline.
However, critics argue that parents are more likely to focus on the overall number of teachers working in schools rather than the Government’s preferred measure.
The latest figures show that primary schools have experienced some of the largest reductions in staffing, contributing to the overall decline in teacher numbers across England.
The debate comes as fresh figures suggest Labour’s VAT policy on private school fees has had a significant impact on the independent sector.
Reports this week indicated that around 30,000 pupils have left independent schools since the policy was introduced in January 2025. While not all of those pupils will have transferred into state education, education leaders expect many will have moved into the state sector, increasing demand for taxpayer-funded school places.
The Government argues that the policy will raise hundreds of millions of pounds to support public services and improve educational opportunities. Ministers have repeatedly defended the decision as a fair way to fund investment in state schools.
Opponents, however, say the policy is creating additional pressures on schools already struggling with recruitment challenges and stretched budgets.
For Labour, the figures present an uncomfortable political challenge. The party repeatedly argued that ending tax breaks for private schools would help fund thousands of extra teachers and improve standards in state education.
With overall teacher numbers now lower than a year ago and growing concern about pressures on school places, ministers face mounting scrutiny over whether the policy is delivering the outcomes that were promised to voters.
The Government maintains it remains on course to fulfil its commitment.
