Two historic private schools, Avon House School in Essex and Sompting Abbots Prep School in West Sussex, have announced their closure, citing financial pressures including the introduction of VAT on school fees as a primary reason. Both institutions will cease operations and will not reopen in September, leaving parents to find alternative educational placements for their children.
Avon House School, which had been in operation for over 100 years, stated on its website that it had struggled with financial pressures including the introduction of VAT on school fees and increased National Insurance and pension costs. The school expressed sadness at the closure, noting that despite exploring various options, the financial situation made continuing impossible. The statement emphasized the school's commitment to its pupils and wished them well in their future academic endeavors.
Sompting Abbots Prep School, founded in 1921 and run by the Sinclair family since 1946, also attributed its closure to significant financial challenges. Principal David Sinclair indicated that while the school had explored numerous options, including mergers, the financial pressures became insurmountable. He cited the imposition of VAT on fees, the general economic climate, increased National Insurance contributions, and pension costs as contributing factors. A declining pupil enrollment, exacerbated by these costs, led to the decision to close and enter administration.
Data from the Independent Schools Council (ISC) shows a broader trend of declining pupil numbers in the private sector. The ISC's annual census indicates a 6.6 percent decrease in pupil numbers in some year groups since the previous year, with 20,000 pupils leaving private schools in the past year alone. The council noted that policy decisions can have significant consequences for families' educational choices. The decline is particularly evident at the primary and Year 12 (start of sixth form) levels, suggesting that new families are being deterred from choosing independent education. While the ISC represents the majority of private schools, the trend indicates a wider challenge for the sector.
This situation follows other closures in the private school sector. Earlier this year, Immanuel College, a Jewish private school, announced its closure after 36 years due to rising costs and a diminished student roll.