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Britain's independent school sector is in free fall.
Since 2010, over 1,100 schools have closed and the pace is accelerating. VAT on fees, rising costs, and a co-dependency on international enrolments have pushed closures past 100 since January 2025, with some forecasts suggesting the sector could shrink from 7% of pupils to just 3%. For independent schools survival means charitable status, mergers, or acquisition. There's a solutions gap - correction - a solution being ignored.
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By Cheryl LaceyBritain's independent school sector is in free fall.
Since 2010, over 1,100 schools have closed and the pace is accelerating. VAT on fees, rising costs, and a co-dependency on international enrolments have pushed closures past 100 since January 2025, with some forecasts suggesting the sector could shrink from 7% of pupils to just 3%. For independent schools survival means charitable status, mergers, or acquisition. There's a solutions gap - correction - a solution being ignored.
Support the show