Topic overview
In brief
- Avon House School and Sompting Abbots Prep School have announced their closures due to financial difficulties.
- The closures are part of a larger trend, with 30,000 fewer pupils enrolled in private schools since Labour came into power.
- The financial pressures include VAT on school fees and rising National Insurance and pension costs, leading to heartbroken parents seeking alternatives.
Summary
In the United Kingdom, two historic private schools, Avon House School in Essex and Sompting Abbots Prep School in West Sussex, have announced their closures due to significant financial pressures. The closures were made public as both schools confirmed they would not reopen in September 2026. The decision comes amid a broader trend affecting private education, with a reported decline of 30,000 pupils enrolled in private schools since Labour came into power, including a staggering 20,000 students leaving in the past year alone.
The financial difficulties faced by these institutions have been attributed to several factors, including the introduction of VAT on school fees, rising National Insurance contributions, and increased pension costs. Avon House School expressed deep sadness in their announcement, stating that they had explored various options to avoid closure but ultimately found it impossible to continue operations. Their statement highlighted the school's commitment to its pupils and the success many have achieved after attending.