Christian schools shutting down following VAT changes

Weeks after the government announced VAT will be imposed on private school fees, the first independent Christian schools have begun to close doors.

Cedars Christian school in Greenock, Inverclyde, closed in September after 25 years, partly because of the VAT move. The school, catering for children aged 5–18, had also experienced a steady drop in pupils on the roll.

Announcing the closure, Jennifer Offord, chair of the school board, said: ‘We are deeply saddened … Our thoughts and prayers are first for our pupils, parents, staff and volunteers, but also our friends and supporters, who have faithfully and sacrificially given to keep the school operating over many years.’

The school was established and operated by Struthers Memorial Church. Its latest accounts report that senior school pupils ‘achieved high academic results, well above the national average’ in summer 2023.

Kilgraston in Perthshire (Scotland’s only Catholic boarding school) closed in August, citing the potential impact of VAT on school fees along with a ‘short- and long-term funding deficit’, and a sale falling through.

Commenting on social media, Unite For Education – a movement for Christ-centred education in Scotland, said: ‘These closures fuel fears that other independent schools will also be forced to shut down in coming months. Children across Scotland are faced with increased indoctrination in the classroom, so the need for Christian education has never been greater.

‘We are calling on the church to wake up to the reality of the challenges we face in society and arise together to step up and once again lead from the front by funding Christian education to ensure money is no barrier to children receiving a good education.’

St Joseph’s Preparatory School, a small independent Catholic school in Stoke-on-Trent, also said it will close at the end of the year, following the imposition of VAT.

And The Christian School in Takeley, Essex closed in June after 35 years because of its financial situation. A Service of Thanksgiving for the school was due to be held on 5 October.