In a landmark speech that sets the battle lines for education policy, Shadow Chancellor Rachel Reeves has announced Labour's bold £1.4 billion plan to tackle Britain's growing school attendance crisis and support children's mental health.
The 'Ghost Children' Epidemic
Reeves delivered a stark warning about what she termed the "ghost children" phenomenon – the alarming number of pupils who have virtually disappeared from the education system since the pandemic. Official figures reveal that over 100,000 children are now missing significant portions of their schooling, creating what experts fear could become a "lost generation."
Mental Health Support in Every School
The centrepiece of Labour's education revolution involves placing dedicated mental health professionals in every secondary school across England. This ambitious initiative aims to address the growing crisis in children's wellbeing that has been exacerbated by cost-of-living pressures and pandemic fallout.
"We cannot expect our teachers to be mental health experts while also delivering outstanding education," Reeves told audiences. "Our children deserve specialist support within their school gates."
Funding Through Private School VAT Reforms
In a move that's already generating heated debate, the shadow chancellor confirmed Labour would end the VAT exemption currently enjoyed by private schools. This controversial policy would see independent institutions charged 20% VAT on fees, generating an estimated £1.7 billion annually.
Reeves defended the approach, stating: "At a time when state schools are struggling and parents are facing impossible choices due to the cost of living crisis, it cannot be right that we continue to offer tax breaks to the most privileged institutions."
Broader Economic Vision
The education announcement forms part of Labour's wider economic strategy, which Reeves emphasised would be built on "iron discipline" with public finances. She positioned the party as fiscally responsible while still making strategic investments in public services.
With the next general election looming, these education reforms signal Labour's intent to make children's wellbeing and educational recovery a cornerstone of their campaign, directly challenging the Conservative government's record on both education and the cost of living.
