Avon House Preparatory School, a private school on the edge of Epping Forest in Woodford Green, Essex, has ceased operations with immediate effect and will not welcome students back in September. The school, which has been open since the 1960s, will not reopen for the new academic year.
Financial pressures cited for closure
The school, which charges annual fees of up to £17,895 per pupil, said in an email to parents earlier this month that it would not reopen due to financial pressures, in particular the introduction of VAT on private schools from January 2025.
"Despite every effort to secure a sustainable future for the school, including exploring opportunities for investment, merger and sale, it has not been possible to find a financially viable way forward," the email said.
School's history and statement
In a later statement, the school said: "It is with much sadness that we are announcing the closure of the school with immediate effect. Avon House was founded over a hundred years ago under the name Essex House and then in the early 1950’s was renamed Avon House School.
“The vision for the current school was that of Sheila Ferrari who bought the school in 1970, providing a family school for pupils from 3-11 years old.
"We have explored a number of options to try and save the school from closure but in recent days it became obvious that was not meant to be.
“The school has struggled with financial pressures including the introduction of VAT on school fees and the rise in NI and pension costs.
"We have always put our pupils at the heart of school life both academically and pastorally under the banner of ‘Celebrating and supporting every child’ and we know that many pupils who have journeyed through our school have gone on to great success."
"We wish all our pupils and families the best for the future as they embrace new schools in the locality."
Fees and establishment
The school caters for children aged three through to Year 6. For Foundation 1 (nursery), the 2026 fees were approximately £13,700 per annum. For Years 5 and 6, the yearly charges ranged between £17,000 and £17,89.
The school was established at its current location on High Road in 1965, initially named Essex House Preparatory School. Avon House Preparatory School was approached for additional comment.
