Several independent schools have either closed or announced closures, and some have cited the introduction of VAT on school fees as a contributing factor. While not all closures are directly attributed to VAT, it has been a factor for some, particularly in the wake of its introduction. Since Labour’s announcement in October 2023 that VAT would be applied to private school fees, 77 independent schools and independent specialist schools in England have closed.

Schools that have closed or announced closures and cited VAT as a factor (or at least a contributing factor).

HERE ARE SOME OF THEM:

Loughborough Amherst:

This school in Leicestershire announced a proposed closure and cited VAT on fees as a factor.

Loughborough Amherst School

Maidwell Hall

This school in Northamptonshire also announced a proposed closure and cited VAT on fees as a factor

St Joseph’s Preparatory School

This school in Stoke-on-Trent closed in December, on the eve of VAT’s introduction, and was reported to be facing financial issues due to the new tax.

The Iona School

This school in Nottingham closed in September and stated it was “facing the threat of closure due to the government’s proposed VAT on private school fees”.

Kilgraston School

This school in Perthshire closed with immediate effect in August 2024 after a planned sale fell through. The school, located in Bridge of Earn, had been struggling with a small number of pupils (173) and potential financial issues, including a debt of over £900,000.

Cedars Christian School

This school in Greenock, Inverclyde, closed its doors in September after 25 years of operation. The school’s closure was primarily attributed to the recent imposition of Value Added Tax (VAT) on independent school fees. The school’s board stated they couldn’t afford the looming annual VAT bill, estimated to be around £110,000. Despite attempts by parents to raise funds and support the school, the board confirmed the closure. The school, which catered to children aged 5 to 18, was a Christian school established by Struthers Memorial Church in 1999.

Oxford House School

This school in Colchester is proposing to close at the end of the summer term 2025 due to dwindling pupil numbers, a review of demand, and the impact of factors like the falling birth rate and economic climate, according to reports.

Moorland Senior School

This school in Clitheroe closed on March 28, 2025, due to a combination of financial difficulties and “adverse political and economic factors”. The closure was announced with little notice to staff and parents, with the school’s proprietor blaming the imposition of VAT on school fees, falling student numbers, uncollected fees, and soaring operating costs. While the senior school closed, the nursery, infant, and junior schools remain open.

Fulneck School

This school in Pudsey is scheduled to close on July 8, 2025. The closure is due to a combination of declining enrollment and rising operational costs. The school, founded in 1753, is an independent day and boarding school.

Wakefield Independent School

This school is in West Yorkshire. Proposal for closure at end of summer term, 2025. (Co-ed, 2-16, 140 pupils).

Oakleigh House School, Swansea

This school is in South Wales. Cognita Schools. Consulting on closure. (Co-ed, 2 -11)

St Clare’s School, Newton, Porthcawl, South Wales

Proposal to close end of autumn term 2025 (Co-ed, 2 – 18, approx 150 students)

Godolphin Prep

This school in Wiltshire announced a proposed closure and cited VAT on fees as a contributing factor

Godolphin Prep School

St George’s Preparatory School

This school is in Boston, Lincolnshire. Closing end of summer term 2025. (77 pupils)

Talbot House Prep School

This school is in Bournemouth . Closing end of summer term 2025. (3-11, 102 pupils)

St Joseph’s Park Hill School

This school is in Burnley. Closing end of summer 2025. (3-11, co-ed, 128 pupils)

Woodcote House School

This school is in Surrey . Closing end of summer term (boys’ prep, 82 pupils, boarding and day)

St Anselm’s Preparatory School

This school is closing end of summer term 2025. (134 pupils, co-ed)

Ursuline Preparatory School

This school has a proposed closure. (93 pupils, co-ed)

Fairfield School, Backwell:

This school is near Bristol – closing August 2025. (129 pupils, co-ed)

Bedstone College:

This school is in Shropshire – closing end of summer term 2025. ( 152 pupils, co-ed)

The Royal School:

This school in Haslemere, Surrey is closing August 2025. (190 pupils, co-ed)

Kingscourt Prep School:

This school in Waterlooville, Hampshire is proposed to close. (co-ed, 2-11, 125 pupils)

Other schools that have closed or announced closures, but not directly attributed to VAT:

Highfield Prep:

This school in North London announced a proposed closure, but it is not clear if VAT is the sole or primary reason, according to the school management plus website.

Hemdean House School:

A mixed prep school in Caversham, Berkshire, announced its planned closure citing financial difficulties.

The Village School for Girls:

This school in Belsize Park, North London, announced a proposed closure, but it is not clear if VAT is the sole or primary reason.

Alton School:

This school in Hampshire closed and was reported to be one of a few that directly linked their closures to the VAT policy.

Downham Preparatory School:

This school in Norfolk closed and was reported to be one of a few that directly linked their closures to the VAT policy.

Downham Preparatory School

Schools at risk from closure –

St Hilda’s Preparatory School for Girls in Bushey, Hertfordshire, is considering a permanent closure in the summer of 2025. The Aldenham Foundation, which runs the school, is consulting with staff and parents on the potential closure due to declining pupil numbers and economic pressures, particularly VAT increases on school fees. A final decision is expected by the end of the term.