More than 100 independent schools have reportedly closed following the government's decision to impose VAT on private school fees, according to the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Julie Robinson, chief executive of the ISC, told The Mail On Sunday that 105 institutions have ceased operations since the policy was introduced on 1 January last year.
Ms Robinson described the move as 'a bridge too far' for many establishments, adding: 'We are likely to see further closures over the coming months and years as the effects of VAT and other tax measures mount up.' The 105 closures include 15 schools that merged with others.
Nearly one in five closures occurred in London and surrounding areas, with many schools in the North and Midlands also shutting. Park Hill School in Kingston and Falcons School in Putney both cited the VAT policy as a reason for closure. Other closures include The Cedars School in Croydon, Oak Heights in Hounslow, Queen Margaret's School for Girls in York, Carrdus School in Banbury, and Maidwell Hall in Northamptonshire.
A government spokesperson responded: 'This manufactured crisis of pupils leaving the private sector and putting pressure on the state system has failed to materialise. Our data shows pupil numbers remain firmly within historical patterns.' The government expects the VAT policy to raise £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30 to support state education.
