Julie Robinson, CEO of the ISC, on taking the UK government to court over their VAT policy
In the wake of the UK government's much-debated VAT in private schools policy, our next Heads & Tales guest needs no introduction. Julie Robinson is the CEO of the Independent Schools Council and one of the most recognisable figures in the independent sector – an articulate, tenacious and steadfast advocate for private education in the UK that is currently in the throes of a High Court legal battle with the government. Herself state-educated, Julie's career in the sector spans 35 years, from classroom teacher to headship, before a move to IAPS and now the ISC, representing the collective voice of over 1,400 UK independent schools.
Over the past decade, she has become a key voice in national education policy: she sits on the DfE's School Partnerships Oversight Board, advocates for independent x state sector collaboration and can regularly be seen or heard in the national press flying the flag for private education. In her conversation with Henry Faber, Julie is authentic, warm and articulate on such a polarising debate. Her ongoing court case marks not just a legal milestone, but a moral one – an endeavour to ensure the independent sector is understood for what it really is without stereotype: a diverse system of schools (many small and specialist) that are united by a shared purpose to serve young people across the UK.
🎙️ Episode highlights
Julie starts by discussing an early mentor, the Reverend John Spencer, who gave her the self-belief to pursue headship at schools.
She reflects on the deep emotional weight of leadership in schools, including a particularly heartbreaking moment at a pupil's funeral.
A self-confessed busy body student forever with her hand up, it made her more aware of the quieter students in schools, something that shaper her time as a teacher.
Julie opens up about the ISC's High Court battle with the government, including why they brought the case forward and what's at stake.
She discusses the power of storytelling and how novels have become her way of restoring empathy and escaping negative media.
Her leadership philosophy is clear: be authentic, value your people, ask for help and above all, make sure your glass is half full!