Malvern St James School in Worcestershire is to close amid increasing financial pressures caused in part by the introduction of Labour's VAT on fees policy. The school was taken over by The Galaxy Global Education Group in February last year. Its new owners previously said they planned to continue the school's legacy and ethos but in April announced it would be closing due to financial challenges. Speaking to BBC News, parent Jo Tolley said: "As a family we are devastated that this is closing. Where we go from here now, we don't know." All proposals to take on the school were explored but none would give "sufficient certainty" to the school's long-term future, a spokesperson for Galaxy Global said. By David Lumb and Shannen Headley. 

News of the closure of Malvern St James has also been covered by The Telegraph in the context of a wider article about foreign buyers of UK independent schools. Lucy Harris, a former Brexit Party member of the European Parliament, told BBC Politics Live last week she thinks the issue poses a security threat. "You have foreign investors buying up independent and public schools who have access to our educational institutions", she said, adding: I'm worried about that back door for foreign investors getting into our educational systems because the Labour Party has increased taxes." By Albert Tait.

As Prince George prepares to go to Eton College this September, The Times looks at the impact of rising costs, falling international demand and changing attitudes to parenting on all-boys traditional boarding schools. Mark Broadway, owner of Moyles Court School, a coeducational day and boarding school in the New Forest that is to close this summer after 63 years, tells the paper the economics of low-fee boarding had become unsustainable under Labour’s policies and suggested around 80 per cent of pupils had left to the state sector because parents had found the fees unaffordable. "We tried to absorb some of the cost of 20 per cent VAT, but with the increase in teachers’ pension contributions, national insurance and minimum wage, it was about a 30 per cent hit in one year. As a small school with no economies of scale, the Labour government has closed us down", he says. By Nicola Woolcock and Georgia Lambert. 

A number of schools in membership of the ISC's constituent associations are mentioned in this weekend's coverage.

The winners of the Tes School Awards 2026, which recognise the schools and teachers whose work is transforming outcomes for children across the UK, have been announced at the paper's annual celebration ceremony. Winners were selected by a panel of experienced school leaders and experts across 23 categories covering leadership, teaching, wellbeing, pupil outcomes and innovation. Headteacher of the Year (Independent) was awarded to Michelle Catterson, head at Moon Hall School, Reigate. Independent Prep School of the year was presented to Caterham Prep, while Independent Senior School of the Year went to RGS Worcester. By Cerys Turner. 

BBC News offers advice on helping children keep cool and safe this summer and beyond. Tips include boosting water intake through food and not relying on once-a-day sunscreen. "The advice is to smother your child with at least SPF 30 and four stars, about 30 minutes before you go outside. Then reapply every two hours while avoiding the hottest part of the day", the broadcaster warns. An accompanying graphic displays the signs of heat-related illnesses. By Philippa Roxby.

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