A historic UK private school has announced its closure after almost 850 years, citing “unavoidable financial pressures” following Labour’s introduction of 20% VAT on fees. Exeter Cathedral’s preparatory school has long been an insitution of the southwest England city, since it was founded as The Chorister School back in 1179. Its long and deep-rooted local history has been no match for the Government’s clampdown on private establishments, which was implemented January, however, and is among over 100 schools that have shut their doors in the intervening months.
The school said choristers between years three and eight will be moved to nearby Exeter School after the closure takes effect in September, with a statement describing the decision to shut as “extremely difficult”. While a spokesperson did not refer directly to the VAT raid, they did blame “unavoidable financial pressures” being faced by “many small independent schools”.
“We understand the impact this will have on our entire school community, our students and their families, as well as our dedicated staff,” they said.
“By sharing this decision now, we hope to give families and colleagues the time they need to plan for alternative school placements in September.
“Exeter Cathedral School will remain open in its current form until the end of the summer term in July 2026, continuing to provide high-quality education and pastoral care throughout this period.”
The establishment has agreed for the Inspired Learning Group to take over the running of its nursery and prep-prep, up to year two, from September.
According to its website, fees for the school’s 176 pupils can cost as much as £6,952 per term between years six and eight, including over £1,000 in VAT.
The news sparked backlash online, with one X user suggesting “850 years of unique choral tradition” had been “wiped out on a vindictive whim”, while another labelled it “desperately sad”.
It comes after Julie Robinson, chief executive of the Independent Schools Council, told the Mail On Sunday that 105 schools had shut since the VAT raid was imposed, describing it as a “bridge too far”.
“We are likely to see further closures over the coming months and years as the effects of VAT and other tax measures mount up,” she added.
“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 isa bridge too far.”
A spokesperson for the Government said: “This manufactured crisis of pupils leaving the private sector and putting pressure on the state system has failed to materialise.
“Our data shows pupil numbers remain firmly within historical patterns seen for over the last 20 years, and the rate of children getting a place at one of their preferred primary schools is the second highest on record.
“Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8 billion a year by 2029/30 to help fund public services, including supporting the 94% of children in state schools, to help ensure excellence everywhere for every child.”