A VAT charge on independent school fees could impact the entire education system, Dame Harriett Baldwin MP has warned.

The West Worcestershire MP has raised her concerns about the potential tax on private school fees.

She contacted three major independent schools in her constituency after two House of Commons debates opposing the VAT imposition.

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Dame Harriett said she was briefed on the potential impact on pupils with extra educational needs and the continuity of education for children in military and diplomatic families.

She also highlighted concerns about the speed of implementing the measure in January, which would disrupt the usual VAT payment calendar.

Dame Harriett said: "The independent school system forms an important part of the wider educational system and some parents will choose to move their children into the state system, leading to larger school classes.

"This is the politics of envy and pursuing the policy of being the only Western country to tax education is an act of educational vandalism that will harm the whole educational ecosystem."

She added: "Of particular concern are the places offered to children with special educational needs where they do not have a formal educational healthcare plan and I am troubled by a potential knock-on effect to both local schools and also the Worcestershire County Council care budget."