Are Homeschool Pods the Answer for Parents Facing Private School VAT Changes?

The removal of VAT-free status on private school fees from January 2025 is causing many parents to rethink their educational options.

Homeschool co-ops or pods with a full-time private tutor offer a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional schooling. By sharing costs with other families, parents can provide their children with an education that often surpasses traditional private schools.

The UK Government's recent decision to impose VAT on private school fees has left many parents searching for ways to continue offering high-quality education without facing significantly higher costs. For families with children in private schools, the prospect of a 20% fee increase has prompted a reassessment of their options.?

One alternative gaining traction is the concept of "homeschool pods" with a full-time private tutor. We’ve already had several families reach out to explore how this can work in practice.

In this article, we explore the costs, benefits, and potential of homeschool pods as a flexible, cost-effective alternative to traditional private schooling.

Rising costs of UK private schooling

Top-tier day schools often charge over ￡30,000 per year, which increases with trips and uniform on top and can double in price for weekly boarders. With a 20% VAT added to these fees, we’re talking a significant financial outlay for families, especially those with multiple children in private education. And what we’re hearing time and again from our Clients is that their children are still not receiving the standard of education they expect at this level.?

What is a homeschool pod?

A homeschool pod involves a small group of children who learn together in a private home setting, often under the guidance of a highly qualified tutor. This approach does not require formal registration as a school as long as certain criteria are met. We’ve seen a sharp increase in the number of parents looking seriously into this option because it allows for a more tailored educational experience, while avoiding rising private school costs, academic and pastoral problems at school, and some of the regulatory complexities associated with independent schools.

Comparable cost, with better outcomes

For the same or - in many cases, far lower - cost than top UK private schools, parents can form homeschool pods with a dedicated expert private tutor. Finding the right tutor is crucial, and you will expect to pay over the odds to secure one with in-depth subject expertise across the whole curriculum, who may also play a musical instrument, speak another language, etc. But those tutors are out there, and we’ve recruited scores of such exceptional educators with our Clients.?

So, you could be paying less, but what else are you gaining? Here are the major benefits of homeschool pods:

Smaller class sizes: A tutor working with a small group can provide tailored, focused instruction that significantly enhances learning outcomes. Research has shown that smaller class sizes can have a positive impact on both academic performance and mental well-being. The Sigma-2 study is a compelling read.

Flexibility - and stability: Homeschool pods offer enormous levels of flexibility that benefits both the children's education and family life. Families are not bound by traditional school calendars, allowing them to schedule holidays during off-peak times. The pod can decide its own curriculum, explore subjects in depth, and avoid the costs of uniforms, school trips, and daily commutes. Homeschool pods also provide a consistent peer group for children, fostering social connections and a stable learning environment, which are ideal for children who struggle in school.?

Shorter school days: In a homeschool pod, a 3-hour study day is sufficient for high-quality learning. Focused, one-on-one tuition ensures topics are fully understood before moving on. This leaves the rest of the day free for reflection, hobbies, socialising, or other enriching activities. Adam Caller, founder and CEO of Tutors International knows that focused one-on-one or small group tuition often achieves more in a few hours than a full day in a traditional school:

“The size of the class is not what produces the best results, but appropriate ability-streaming. The length of the school day is not what is important, but the quality of the interaction between the teacher and the pupils during that time."

A tailored curriculum: With a homeschool pod, the curriculum can be adapted to meet the specific needs and interests of the children involved. Strength-based education places the emphasis on learning through memorable experiences and natural aptitudes, as opposed to tuition for the sole purpose of passing exams, and provides a more engaging and relevant education (particularly beneficial for children with specific learning styles or interests that may not be fully catered to in a larger school.)

Setting up a homeschool pod

Homeschool pods operate outside the framework of formal schools and can remain more flexible as long as they do not exceed certain thresholds related to the number of children, any SEN requirements, and hours of tuition. This model allows families to focus on what truly matters: high-quality education tailored to their children's needs, without the bureaucratic requirements of registering as an independent school.

If you’re considering setting up a homeschool pod, it’s important to consult with educational professionals to ensure that the appropriate policies are in place. We can help guide you through the process of forming and managing a homeschool pod, offering access to highly qualified tutors and expert advice on best practices.

Contact us if you’d like to discuss a similar education provision for your child or children.