VAT on fees 'a bridge too far' for many independent schools, ISC CEO warns
Posted on: 05 Jan 2026
Posted by: ISC Press Office
More than 100 independent schools have closed since the introduction of the VAT on fees policy, Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council (ISC), has said.
Speaking to The Mail on Sunday, Ms Robinson confirmed that 105 schools have ceased operations since the policy came into effect, including 15 that were merged with other institutions. "We are likely to see further closures over the coming months and years as the effects of VAT and other tax measures mount up. While there is a combination of factors contributing to school closures, we know that there are some for whom the government's decision to tax education is a bridge too far," she added.