Dean Associates’ annual survey of UK independent school fees has reported an average rise of just over 3%, broadly in line with inflation.

This comes as schools continue to adjust to the new environment created by the introduction of 20% VAT on fees in January 2025.

The impact of the surcharge has been less severe than many predicted. The Institute for Fiscal Studies recorded a 5.3% fall in new student enrolments, describing the effect as “modest negative” and directly linked to VAT. Meanwhile, ISC member data showed a 2.4% overall decline in pupil numbers.

Primary schools have been harder hit, with enrolments down 3.5%, compared to a 1.7% fall in secondaries. This suggests some families are delaying entry into private education until the secondary stage as a way to manage costs.

While there have been some school closures, numbers remain within the usual range. At the same time, the sector is undergoing visible restructuring, with several high-profile acquisitions and mergers reshaping the landscape.

From our day-to-day work, demand for leading independent schools in urban centres and commuter belt areas remains very strong, underlining their continued resilience despite broader market pressures.