Two long-standing private schools in south London are preparing to close their doors permanently this summer, citing dwindling student numbers and the financial impact of the Labour Party’s proposed VAT on private school fees.
The Inspired Learning Group (ILG), which manages both Park Hill Preparatory School and Nursery in Kingston and Bishop Challoner School in Bromley, confirmed the closures will take effect at the end of the current academic year.
Legal Challenge Over VAT Policy Fails
The closures follow a failed legal challenge against the government’s VAT plan. A group of families and independent schools argued that applying VAT to school fees would unfairly penalize private school parents. However, three High Court judges dismissed the claim.
Government representatives from the Treasury, HM Revenue and Customs, and the Department for Education defended the tax move, saying it aimed to generate revenue to improve state school education and ensure fairness in tax contributions from families who can afford private tuition.
A Difficult Farewell for Bishop Challoner
Bishop Challoner School, a Catholic independent school offering education for children aged three to 18, will officially shut on 4 July. The institution, which has been part of the Bromley community since 1950, described the closure decision as extremely painful but necessary due to mounting operational challenges.
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Patricia Colling, Chair of Trustees, stated: “We deeply regret having to make this decision. It’s a heartbreaking time for our students, families, and devoted staff.”
Amanda, a parent of a Year 13 student at the school, shared her emotional reaction with BBC London: “This came out of the blue. It’s devastating for everyone—students, teachers, families. Not all private school parents are wealthy. For us, this was a calm, supportive environment that helped our son thrive.”
Amanda’s son Barney, who is neurodiverse, is set to begin university in September. She expressed concern for families whose children are currently in the midst of GCSE or A-level exams.
Park Hill School to Transition into Full-Time Nursery
In a different approach, ILG is planning to repurpose Park Hill School, which originally opened in 1949, into a full-time nursery providing care for children from three months to four years old for 51 weeks of the year.
Students currently enrolled at Park Hill will be given the opportunity to transfer to Westbury House School in New Malden, another ILG-operated institution located about 12 minutes away.
Park Hill’s Head Teacher, Sarah Nunn, addressed parents via the school’s website, highlighting the move as a chance to expand students’ academic and social experiences. “This transition offers a broader curriculum, more extracurricular activities, and a larger peer community,” she said.
Group Says Changes Aim to Preserve Educational Quality
A spokesperson for ILG emphasized that the restructuring was not taken lightly and was done with long-term sustainability and educational integrity in mind.
“As a group, our strength lies in our ability to adapt and protect our schools. This decision ensures we continue to provide high-quality education, which remains our core mission,” the spokesperson said.
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Wider Implications for Private Schools
The closures underscore growing concerns within the independent school sector, especially smaller institutions that may struggle to stay afloat amid financial pressures and policy changes.
While the government maintains that adding VAT to private school fees will level the playing field, critics argue the measure could threaten the viability of smaller schools and disrupt the education of thousands of pupils.
As the education landscape continues to shift, many parents and educators are now calling for greater clarity and support to help schools navigate these financial and regulatory changes.
