An independent school in Leicestershire says it plans to close due to “financial challenges”, including the introduction of VAT on school fees.
Loughborough Amherst School notified parents of 284 students on Monday that it is proposing to close permanently at the end of the school year on July 4.
Loughborough Schools Foundation, which runs the co-educational Catholic school, said a final decision would be made after a staff consultation, which is expected to conclude in March.
“Despite significant financial support and continued efforts to increase pupil numbers, the school has been unable to maintain a surplus in its 10 years,” Roger Harrison, chair of the foundation’s governors, wrote in a letter to parents.
“We are currently facing a situation in which operating costs continue to rise, which has been exacerbated by the recent Autumn Budget announcements,” he added.
These include the introduction of VAT for private schools, an increase in the national minimum wage and expected changes to the business rate exemption, he said.
Mr Harrison said: “Therefore, and regrettably, we have reached the point where it will no longer be financially viable to run the school beyond the end of this academic year.
“This was not an easy decision to make, and I do not underestimate how incredibly difficult and emotional it will be for you and your family.”
Mr Harrison said if the closures were confirmed, more than 80 per cent of pupils would be offered a place at one of the other schools within the foundation.
“Our priority now is to minimize the impact on the education and health of all our students, and we will work with each family to find the best solution for each student,” he said.
“In addition, we will provide ongoing support to all staff members whose jobs may be affected by the proposed closure and assist them with the transition during this particularly difficult time.”
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