Private school to close ahead of VAT change

St Joseph's Preparatory School blames "changes in independent school funding" for its decision

A private school in Staffordshire has announced it will close due to “financial challenges”, ahead of the imposition of VAT on its fees.

St Joseph’s Preparatory School in Stoke-on-Trent made the announcement on its website, citing “changes coming regarding independent school funding”.

Labour pledged to end private schools' VAT exemption and business rate relief if it got into government.

VAT at the standard rate of 20% will be charged on private school fees from 1 January.

The government said the move would fund 6,500 new state school teachers in England.

St Joseph’s School will close on 31 December.

A statement from the school said: “In making their decision, the trustees have focused on the varied financial challenges, which the school community has faced in recent years, and the changes coming regarding independent school funding.

"This has been an incredibly difficult decision and one not taken lightly.

"The trustees will work with the governors and staff to bring this decision into effect in a manner that causes the least possible negative impact, particularly for the children who will require new school places, as a result of this decision.

"Our prayers are with everybody at this heartbreaking time."

Trustees said parents would be invited to a meeting on Wednesday about the next steps.

In a post on Facebook, the school wrote that “with great regret... this term will be our last”.

More than 50 people including former staff, pupils and parents commented on the post, with one writing that the news was “heartbreaking”.

Another wrote: “This is such sad news. My years spent at Joe’s were truly wonderful and life changing!

"It really was a truly special place to work. Sending lots of love to staff and pupils during this sad time.”