More than 100 independent schools have closed since the government introduced VAT on private school fees, according to the Independent Schools Council (ISC). Julie Robinson, ISC chief executive, told The Mail on Sunday that 105 institutions have ceased operations, with 15 of those merging with others.
The 20% VAT, effective from 1 January last year, has been cited as a key factor. Robinson warned of further closures as the policy's effects accumulate. Closures include Park Hill School in Kingston and Falcons School in Putney, which directly attributed their shutdown to the tax.
London and the surrounding area saw 19 closures, nearly one in five. Other affected schools include The Cedars School in Croydon, Oak Heights in Hounslow, and Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York, where governors cited 'mounting financial pressures'.
A government spokesperson dismissed the closures as a 'manufactured crisis', stating that pupil numbers remain within historical patterns. The policy is expected to raise £1.8 billion annually by 2029/30 to fund public services.
