Private schools key to England’s sporting success, says sector boss

St Bede’s, where secondary school fees cost more than £14,000 a year, has been in partnership with Manchester City since 2011. The academy currently has around 60 pupils.

Ahead of the Euro 2024 final against Spain in Berlin, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), said: “Many sports benefit from independent schools because of the flexibility it offers, allowing young people to gain an excellent academic education at the same time as developing their specialist skills.

“Independent schools, on the other hand, offer scholarships to those with sporting talent and form partnerships to share their knowledge and facilities with their local communities, enabling thousands of people to enjoy the benefits of sporting activity.”

Ms Robinson added: “Given concerns about the policy of imposing VAT on fees, we would prefer to work with a new Labour Government on priorities including access to sporting opportunities so that future generations can continue to bring football closer to home.”

Labour has said VAT will not come into force until 2025.