Private schools nationwide are set to hike their fees from January 1, exceeding Government predictions as the VAT increase comes into play.

Keir Starmer's contentious decision to impose a 20% VAT on private school fees was intended to bolster the state sector, with the tax hike earmarked for initiatives such as hiring more teachers.

However, an October impact assessment by the Treasury suggested that fees would only rise by an average of 10%, arguing that many of the country's 2,600 independent schools would not fully pass on the cost to parents.

This claim has been challenged by a Telegraph analysis of fee changes at 964 private schools across England, Scotland and Wales.

The study found that around half of these schools are raising fees by 15% or more, while a fifth are increasing fees by the full 20%. The average fee hike was determined to be 14%.

Although the policy officially takes effect on January 1, most parents have already received invoices reflecting the new increased fees.

These figures have stoked concerns about the policy's impact, which is anticipated to result in more children being moved from private to state schools than government estimates predicted.

Critics have voiced their opposition to the policy ahead of its implementation, with Conservative shadow education secretary Laura Trott stating: "This rise in VAT will do nothing to help state schools.

"The Labour Government is disrupting thousands of children’s education vindictively in the middle of the school year, and all it will do will add pressure to the education system.

"It will be pupils, parents and teachers from the state sector that will end up paying the price."

Reform UK leader Nigel Farage added: "I think it is a tax on aspiration. I think the policy is short-sighted. It will damage children. We have so many problems in our education system. Labour are attacking the one part of it which is a success."

Echoing these sentiments, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson stated: "High and rising standards cannot just be for families who can afford them, and we must build an education system where every child can achieve and thrive."

The Telegraph conducted an analysis of the increase in day fees between the autumn and upcoming spring terms at 964 private schools across Great Britain.

The 14% hike equates to an additional £2,600 annually for day pupil fees, pushing the average to £21,800 a year.

Boarding pupils would see an increase of £6,200 a year, based on the current average annual fees from the Independent Schools Council, which represents 1,200 private schools.