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More than 100 private schools have reportedly closed following the government’s decision to impose enforcement measures Private school tuition VAT.
Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, said mail on sunday Since the introduction of the policy, 105 institutions have ceased operations.
She described the move as ‘A bridge too far’ for many institutions. The government’s policy of levying a 20% value-added tax on tuition fees for private schools came into effect on January 1 last year.
Ms Robinson told the newspaper: “We are likely to see more factory closures in the coming months and years as the impact of VAT and other tax measures continues to grow.”
“While there are many factors leading to school closures, we know that for some the Government’s decision to impose an education levy goes too far.”
Ms. Robinson told us that of the 105 schools, 15 were merged with other schools. mail on sunday.
According to the newspaper, a total of 19 schools – nearly one in five – have closed in and around London, while many schools in the north and midlands have also been forced to close.
Park Hill School in Kingston and Falcons School in Putney both claim the government’s introduction of VAT on tuition fees means they no longer have the means to remain open. mail on sunday explain.
John Whitgift School Old Palace in Croydon, south London, Ursuline Preparatory School in Ilford, east London, and London Acorn School in Morden, south-west London, also closed last year.
Recent school closures include The Cedars School, a boys’ high school in Croydon, which closed in September; and Oak Heights, a co-educational high school in Hounslow, west London, which closed in October.
Other schools to close include Queen Margaret’s Girls’ School in York last summer, with governors citing “increasing financial pressures” as the reason for the closure.
Carrdus School in Banbury, owned by private girls’ school Tudor Hall, has also closed recently, as has Maidwell Hall in Northamptonshire, whose alumni include Earl Spencer.
A government spokesman said on Sunday: “This manufactured crisis of students leaving the private sector and putting pressure on state systems has not materialized.
“Our data shows that pupil numbers remain within historical patterns of the past 20 years, with the proportion of children attending their preferred primary school at the second highest level on record.
“Ending tax relief for private schools will raise £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30 to help fund public services, including supporting 94% of children in state schools, to help ensure every child, everywhere, achieves excellence.”