High costs of private education

The high costs associated with private education can make this decision even more complex. Data from the Independent Schools Council reveals that the majority of pupils attend day schools, meaning the typical fee level is £5,552 per term or £16,656 per annum, a rise of 5.8% in 2022[1].

This equates to a hefty total of £116,592 per child for those who opt for private secondary schooling through the end of sixth form. And these figures don’t include potential increases in fees over time. The financial burden can be even greater if considering private primary or preparatory schools.

Easing the financial burden: Role of wealthy grandparents
However, grandparents have the capacity to alleviate this financial strain on their adult children while simultaneously addressing a looming Inheritance Tax (IHT) issue.

Inheritance Tax: A growing concern
UK families are increasingly feeling the pinch of IHT when family members pass away. In the fiscal year 2022/23, IHT receipts reached a record high of £7.1 billion, according to HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) figures[2], an astounding 108% increase over the last decade. Presently, IHT is levied at a rate of 40% on estates exceeding the nil rate band, which stands at £325,000, or £500,000 if the property is being left to children or grandchildren.

Navigating IHT: Role of gifting
One method of reducing your loved ones’ IHT burden is to start giving away surplus money. The less money you possess over the nil rate band, the smaller the tax bill. For grandparents, contributing to school fees can serve a dual purpose: reducing your IHT bill and witnessing your grandchildren benefit from your wealth.

IHT gifting rules, however, limit the amount you can give away. Yet, there are several allowances you can leverage, whether you’re paying the entirety of the school fees or making a contribution.

Yearly Exemption: Every year, you can contribute £3,000 tax-free to any individual of your choice. Couples can unite to offer a combined tax-free gift of £6,000. Moreover, you can carry forward the unused portion from the previous year, although this can only be done once. This yearly exemption can also be paired with a donation from surplus income and given to the same recipient.

Gifts Beyond Allowances and Inheritance Tax (IHT): Even if your donations exceed these allowances, you might still not have to pay IHT. Any gifts you make that go beyond the allowed exemptions are seen as ‘potentially exempt transfers’ and fall under the seven-year rule.

This implies that if you survive for at least seven years after making the gift, it will be removed from your estate and won’t be subject to any IHT. If you pass away before seven years, taper relief may apply to gifts surpassing the £325,000 threshold.