Private schools are cutting religious ties and forming unlikely alliances to survive what insiders describe as a 'second wave' of closures following the imposition of VAT on fees. The sector is undergoing a 'significant reset', with several schools joining large groups or broadening their appeal to remain viable.
Since Labour took power and announced a 20 per cent VAT levy on private school fees, 105 schools in England and Wales have closed. The Independent Schools Council, which represents 85 per cent of the sector, has linked these closures directly to the Government's tax policy.
