More than 100 independent schools have closed since the introduction of VAT on private school fees, affecting an estimated 25,000 pupils across England, according to figures released by the Independent Schools Council.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the council, said 105 independent schools have ceased operating since the 20 per cent VAT charge on fees came into force on January 1 last year. The figure includes 15 schools that merged with other institutions, with the remainder closing entirely.
Ms Robinson said the policy had proved unsustainable for a number of schools already facing financial pressures, and warned that further closures are likely in the coming months and years as the full impact of VAT and other tax measures continues to be felt.
The closures have taken place across the country, including in London, the Midlands, the North and the South West. Nineteen of the schools that have shut were located in London or surrounding areas, representing nearly one in five of the total.
Schools that have closed include Park Hill School in Kingston, Falcons School in Putney, The Old Palace of John Whitgift School in Croydon, Ursuline Prep in Ilford, London Acorn in Morden, The Cedars School in Croydon and Oak Heights in Hounslow. Outside the capital, Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York closed last summer after governors said it was unable to withstand mounting financial pressures.
Other closures have included Carrdus School in Banbury, Maidwell Hall in Northamptonshire and The Meadows Montessori in Ipswich. The head of The Meadows Montessori cited financial pressures including measures specifically affecting independent schools.
Even schools that remain open have reported cost saving measures. Marlborough College in Wiltshire has closed its long running summer school, citing financial pressures including VAT on fees. A staff member said the school has also taken steps to reduce energy use during holiday periods.
When the policy was announced, the government said it did not expect schools to close as a result. It later revised its assessment, with Treasury Minister Torsten Bell stating last March that up to 100 schools could close over three years. The current total has reached that level within the first year.
The government had also estimated that around three per cent of private school pupils, approximately 18,000 children, would leave the independent sector overall. The Independent Schools Council says more than 25,000 pupils have now been affected by closures.
Among the pupils impacted are children with special educational needs and disabilities, as well as children whose parents chose independent schools after experiences of bullying or unmet needs in the state sector. In many cases, families paid fees from post tax income to secure specialist support or smaller class environments.
A government spokesperson said the policy aims to raise £1.8 billion a year by 2029 to 2030 by ending tax exemptions for private schools, with the revenue intended to support public services, including state education. The spokesperson said that fears of large scale disruption to the state system had not materialised.
The Independent Schools Council said it continues to monitor closures and has warned that the financial impact of VAT on fees is still unfolding.
