The introduction of VAT on private school fees in January 2025 has had a significant impact on the independent education sector in the UK.

While it is difficult to attribute school closures and changes in pupil numbers to any single factor, more than 100 private schools have reportedly closed, affecting almost 30,000 pupils.

Its not just about the cost

For professional families relocating to, or returning to, the UK, the implications extend beyond the headline increase in school fees.

Independent schools have traditionally played an important role for internationally mobile families. They can provide a relatively straightforward route into the UK education system, giving families greater certainty and allowing them to plan their children’s education before relocating. Smaller class sizes, individualised support and, in many cases, more extensive provision for pupils with special educational needs can also be important considerations for families arriving from overseas.

The landscape of independent education is, however, changing.

With most schools passing the additional VAT cost on to parents through increased fees, the overall cost of private education has risen substantially. For some families, particularly those who might previously have considered independent education to be within reach, this may now make the sector less accessible.

Do relocating families want an education preserved only for the wealthy?

This has broader implications for the profile of independent schools. Historically, private education has attracted families from a wide range of professional and socio-economic backgrounds, not solely those with substantial wealth. Rising fees may gradually change that balance, making some schools accessible to a narrower group of families.

For families relocating internationally, this is an important development to consider when planning a move to the UK. The choice between state and independent education is no longer simply a question of educational preference or school availability; affordability, location, admissions timelines all play their part.

There is also a broader consideration around the kind of educational environment a relocating family wants for their children, and how this may shape their social development and experiences.