The Week Ahead Updates and Communication for Parents

AFIS (the Association for Families of Independent Schooling) is calling on the leaders of independent schools across the country to help build the strongest possible evidence base, by ensuring families in their school communities are aware of this opportunity to participate.

Many families have told us they felt there has been no credible way for their experiences and perspectives to be heard throughout the debate about VAT on school fees. FAMILY VOICE® 2026 provides an opportunity to change that.

The Supreme Court has granted permission for the challenge to VAT on school fees to be heard. This represents the final opportunity for a UK court to determine whether the introduction of VAT on school fees was lawful.

Over the past year, AFIS has been developing research, analysis and evidence relating to independent-school families, the gaps in data and understanding surrounding them, and the assumptions that have shaped public debate about the sector. We have shared relevant findings and insights with the legal team representing the faith schools group that petitioned the Supreme Court.

AFIS has now been asked to contribute further by preparing a substantive intervention for the highest court in the land.

This means that improving understanding of independent-school families through robust research and evidence has never been more important.

As part of our evidence-gathering work, AFIS has appointed Revealing Reality*, an independent social research agency, to facilitate FAMILY VOICE® 2026; a national survey exploring who independent-schooling families are, why they choose independent schooling and how recent policy changes have affected them.

With most schools breaking up for the summer very soon, there is a very short window for you to inform your school community about FAMILY VOICE® 2026, so that parents/carers and other supporters have the chance to take part when the survey opens later in July.

Because the survey is being conducted within a very tight timetable linked to the Supreme Court proceedings, this may be the only opportunity for many families to contribute their experiences and perspectives before AFIS finalises its evidence submission.

"At a time when understanding the independent school community has never been more essential, FAMILY VOICE® 2026 offers families a powerful opportunity to guide future research.

Our community of parents, carers, grandparents, and alumni hold a wealth of experience that is crucial to this study.

By helping us raise awareness of the survey before the end of term, schools can ensure their families don't miss out on taking part in this important conversation."

PETER HOGAN

AFIS Chair

This independently facilitated national survey is designed to help address significant gaps in understanding about the families who choose independent schooling and the impact of recent policy changes on children, families and schools.

We are asking potential survey participants to REGISTER THEIR INTEREST now, so that the research company can share the survey with them, when it goes live at the end of July. We would not want families to miss out, if they wish to take part.

We are asking schools to share this important information with their school community, before the end of term.

Families can only participate if they know the survey exists. If you would like your school community to have the opportunity to take part, please share the information below as soon as possible.

The survey will be independently facilitated by Revealing Reality*, an experienced social research agency, and participation will be confidential. Only aggregated findings will be reported.

Please Support our Urgent Fundraising Appeal

Alongside our evidence-gathering and research programme, AFIS is also fundraising to support the preparation of the Supreme Court intervention and our wider work.

The costs of legal representation, evidence gathering, research, analysis and submission preparation are significant, particularly for a small, voluntary parent-founded organisation operating without and public or independent schooling sector funding.

If your school is willing to help raise awareness of our fundraising campaign, we would be extremely grateful if you could also share the link below with parents, grandparents, alumni, supporters and others who may wish to contribute:

Help raise awareness of AFIS's Supreme Court fundraising campaign: VAT on School Fees - Supreme Court Case - a Schools crowdfunding project in United Kingdom by Association for Families of Independent Schooling (AFIS) C.I.C.

Every contribution, regardless of size, helps strengthen AFIS's ability to prepare robust evidence and present the strongest possible case.

Thank you for your support of AFIS and our work on behalf of families who value parental choice and diversity in schooling options.

Thank you to those who have complete the linked form below to help us understand family intentions frome June 2026 onwards.

If you can spare 1 minute, please complete the form. It help hugley when planinng for the next acedemic year. 

Family Intentions 2026 form

Thank you in advance.

Suitable for boys and girls aged 4-16 years

Our camps provide children with a fun, active, and engaging way to spend part of their summer holiday while developing confidence, coordination, and tennis skills in a positive environment.

Our experienced, enthusiastic, and qualified coaching team work with children of all abilities, from complete beginners to regular players.

Heaton Summer Camp 1
Monday 27th - Thursday 30th July
2:00pm - 5:00pm
£80

Heaton Summer Camp 2
Monday 3rd - Thursday 6th August
2:00pm - 5:00pm
£80

Heaton Summer Camp 3
Monday 10th - Thursday 13th August
2:00pm - 5:00pm
£80

Summer Trio Deal

Children can attend with friends or family members and take advantage of our special Trio Deal:

 £55 per child instead of £80
 Save £75 across three bookings
 Suitable for all ability levels
 Encourages children to attend with friends

Booking Information

Book Online: Single Selection Class List

Email: info@strivetennis.co.uk
Tel/WhatsApp: 07711 181998

We have attached a flyer that can be shared directly with parents.

We would be extremely grateful for any support you can provide by sharing this opportunity with your school community. Many local children discover our programmes through school communications, and your support helps more young people stay active and engaged during the holidays.

Thank you for your time and consideration. If you require any additional information, please do not hesitate to get in touch.

Kind regards,

Matt & The Strive Tennis Team

Car Parking

The safety of our pupils is our absolute priority. We have noticed an increase in cars parking on pavements and near junctions, which significantly reduces visibility for children crossing the road.

Please remember:

• Do not block driveways: Even for a "quick drop-off," this causes significant frustration for our neighbors.

• Keep pavements clear: Pedestrians should not be forced into the road to get around parked vehicles.

We understand that parking near the school is limited, and we appreciate your cooperation in keeping the area safe and stress-free for our children and our neighbors alike.

Please also help us maintain good relationships with our neighbours by responding with Grace and Humilty if approached with regard to your parking. Try not to get involved in arguments are "this for that" altercations. 

We are activley encouraging our neighbours to seek police and community advice to which they have full right to do so. However, we can play our part in helping keep on-street parking free by mainting good relationships with our neighbours. 

Thank you for your understanding and support.

Uniform

As the weather warms up, here's a quick reminder of our uniform and make-up policies:

Uniform Policy:

• Full summer school uniform must be worn at all times, including PE uniform on PE days
• Pupils may wear summer uniform (polo shirts, summer dresses for girls)
• Trainers should be black
• Non-uniform items should not be worn to school
• All uniform items should be clearly labelled with your child's name
• For Year 11: They can wear their own clothes, but Friday rules still apply regarding make-up and jewellery

Make-Up Policy:

• Make-up, including nail polish, is not permitted for any pupils in middle school
• This includes subtle or "natural" make-up
• False eyelashes and nail extensions are not permitted
• Staff will ask middle school pupils to remove make-up if worn to school
• In upper school, only subtle make-up is allowed

Why these policies matter:

• They create a sense of community and belonging
• They remove distractions from learning
• They reflect our values of modesty and simplicity
• They ensure all pupils can participate fully in all activities

If you have any questions about our uniform or make-up policies, or if there are financial barriers to purchasing uniform items, please contact the school office in confidence.

Morning Drop-Off & Playground Safety

Please remember that the school playground is not open until a teacher is on duty.

• Supervision begins: Between 8:40 am and 8:45 am. If children need to arrive earlier than this please book them into breakfast club with Mrs Virgo - it opens at 7:55am and costs £3.00 a day.
• Important: Please do not leave children unattended on the playground before this point. Staff are in essential meetings inside the building until duty begins.

https://hftf.org.uk/events