Private school officials called Labour minister ‘chippy’ in private messages

Exclusive: Comments revealed as lobby group steps up pushback against Labour education policy

The body representing independent schools in the UK has described the shadow education secretary as “very chippy” in private messages, as it steps up its campaign against Labour’s plan to add VAT to school fees.

A public access request to the Independent Schools Council about Bridget Phillipson revealed that officials said she “doesn’t know diddly” and suggested she should “appreciate the great good our sector does”.