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Navigating The Shifts In London’s Private School Scene - What Parents Need To Know

By Ilana King

If you’re a parent with a child in the private school system — or thinking about heading down that path — you may have noticed some unsettling headlines lately. A number of independent schools across the UK, including right here in London, have announced plans to close their doors. Understandably, this is causing worry for families who value the benefits of a private education. But it’s also part of a broader shift in the landscape — one that’s worth looking at with clear eyes.

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Let’s start with a story that’s close to home.
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The Village School for Girls: A Much-Loved School Says Goodbye

Tucked away in Belsize Park, The Village School for Girls has long had a reputation for kindness, manners, and high academic standards — all delivered within the walls of a beautiful Victorian building. The school recently announced it will close at the end of this academic year, citing falling pupil numbers and financial pressures, including rising costs and the government’s plan to introduce VAT on school fees.

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For many local families, this news has been a genuine shock. The school had even expanded in recent years, introducing Year 7 and 8 classes to offer continuity into the teenage years. But despite best efforts, the numbers didn’t add up.

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What’s Causing Independent Schools to Close?

The closure of The Village School isn’t an isolated case — it’s part of a wider pattern. Here’s what’s behind it:

• VAT on fees: From January 2025, private school fees are no longer VAT-exempt. This 20% increase puts pressure on families and on schools already operating on tight margins.
• Rising costs: Schools are also facing higher National Insurance contributions, staffing costs, and the loss of certain tax reliefs, all of which add to financial strain.
• Changing demographics: London, in particular, is seeing falling birth rates and fewer young families staying in central areas, meaning fewer pupils for schools to recruit.
• Economic uncertainty: With higher interest rates, rising mortgages, and the cost of living still biting, some families are understandably rethinking big financial commitments like school fees.

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What This Means for You — and How It Might Not All Be Bad News

There’s no doubt that school closures can be stressful for the families affected. But for those still in the system, or considering private education, there may be some upsides to this period of change.

• More focused investment in existing schools: With greater competition for pupils, many schools are working harder to offer real value — whether that’s through specialist teaching, wellbeing support, extracurricular breadth, or bursary schemes.
• A chance to reflect: The changing picture has prompted a lot of families to re-evaluate what they really want from their child’s school. Is it academic stretch? Pastoral care? A sense of belonging? For some, this has led to choices they might not otherwise have considered — and in many cases, these decisions have turned out to be a great fit.
• More transparent conversations: With the financial element now front and centre, schools are having more honest conversations with parents about what’s included in fees, what support might be available, and how they’re planning for the future.
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What to Do If You’re Feeling Unsettled

If you’re concerned about your own child’s school, it’s worth asking some questions — and not just about finances. What’s the long-term vision for the school? How is enrolment looking for the next couple of years? What changes are being made to adapt to the new landscape?

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And remember: this isn’t about panic. It’s about being prepared, being informed, and making choices that work for your child and your family — not just this year, but long term.