VAT for Independent Schools

Following on from the closure of Highclare School’s Woodfield Primary school Site in my ward, we now hear that Ruckleigh School in Solihull, is also set to close.

The Government’s VAT charge upon Independent School fees is clearly economically unsound with an estimated 30,000 students leaving independent setting since Labour introduced school fees.

Data released June 2026 show around 100 private schools have anounced their closure since VAT was introduced with many citing VAT as a primary reason for this decision.

I have written further to the Sec of State for Education urging her to reconsider this decision.