The head of St Francis' College in Letchworth has spoken out against Labour's plans for fee-paying schools, warning it could cause many to close.

James Nichols, who runs the private all-girls school in Broadway, has expressed concerns over the Labour party policy to end the VAT exemption for private education settings.

Under plans in the party's election manifesto, VAT will be added, with the revenue raised going towards recruiting 6,500 new teachers. 

Labour claims that they are "being forced to make tough choices" following "economic chaos".

The Institute for Fiscal Studies estimate the policy will raise £1.6bn.

But Mr Nichols said: "I know of a number of a schools that are very worried about their futures. Schools are a big employer and we just don't know what's going to happen.

"We're sleepwalking into a situation where a lot of private schools close their doors."

He is keen to stress that St Francis' College will not be too badly affected, as it is part of the Inspired Learning Group.

Despite this, he warned of the effect the plans could have on the sector, saying:  "Many schools like ours have to run on tight budgets and tighten our belts, much like state schools.

"The middle class state schools are not like the big elitist schools people often picture in their minds.

"This would mean a lot of pupils would have to move schools, a lot of independent schools will close and actually, private school will become a lot more elitist."

"The promise that the money raised (from the policy) would bring in 6,000 new teachers is not going to solve the problem," he continued. 

"There are 25,000 schools in this country - that's a quarter of a teacher per school!"

He says these teachers will "likely leave within three years due to low pay".

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Nikki da Costa, Conservative candidate for North East Hertfordshire, said: "Labour's politics-of-envy schools tax will impact all local children.

"Here we could see over 500 pupils having to find places elsewhere in state schools that simply do not have the capacity, meaning much more competition for every place and every child would have less chance of going to the school they want."

Responding, a Labour Party spokesperson said: “Labour believes in breaking down barriers for every child. After years of economic chaos from the Conservatives we are being forced to make tough choices. 

“Removing the VAT tax exemption on private schools will pay for much needed extra resources in the state sector. 

“Throughout the past decade school fees have risen above inflation with little impact on pupil attendance. And schools will still have a choice on whether they pass on the cost of VAT changes to parents and families.”