Prestigious independent school is suddenly shut down, blaming financial pressures and Labour’s addition of VAT on fees
A prestigious independent school has suddenly shut down, blaming financial pressures of Labour’s tax raid on fees.
Mount St Mary’s College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, has closed with immediate effect, saying it can no longer remain financially viable in the face of rising costs and government policy changes.
The Jesuit day and boarding school, which charges up to £21,420 a year for pupils in Years 9 to 13, has served the community for nearly 200 years.
The chair of governors, Shaun Whyman, said they had taken the decision with ‘profound sadness and a heavy heart’ after exhausting all possible alternatives to save the school.
Mount St Mary’s, whose headmaster is Jack Murphy, said the impact of VAT on fees and the removal of business rates relief had hit it hard, like many other private schools.
In June, Queen Margaret’s School for Girls in York made the decision after ‘tireless efforts’ in the past 18 months to ‘respond to these challenges’, including a possible merger or sale and the search for ‘fresh investment’.
Meanwhile, in the same month, Moorlands School in Leeds made the similar decision, blaming it on ‘unsustainable financial position’ which had been caused by ‘VAT on school fees’.
Mr Whyman, of Mount St Mary’s College, shared the news on the school’s website, saying: ‘It is with profound sadness and a heavy heart that I write to inform you of the immediate closure of Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall School with effect from today, 30th July 2025.
Mount St Mary’s College in Spinkhill, Derbyshire, has closed with immediate effect
Mount St Mary’s, whose headmaster is Jack Murphy, pictured, has seen the impact of VAT on fees and the removal of business rates relief as major contributing factors, like many other private schools
The chair of governors, Shaun Whyman, said they had taken the decision with ‘profound sadness and a heavy heart’ after exhausting all possible alternatives to save the school in a statement on the school’s website
‘This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the shock and distress this news will undoubtedly bring to our entire school community.
’Mount St Mary’s College and Barlborough Hall have been cornerstones of our community for nearly 200 years, providing a nurturing and faith-filled environment for generations of children.
‘Since 2004, when the schools became an independent charitable trust governed by a dedicated board of trustees, we have sought to uphold the values of Jesuit education and provide an environment in which young people can grow, reflect, and flourish.
’From 2015 onwards, the schools have faced increasing financial pressures, in line with the wider challenges affecting the independent education sector in the UK, including the addition of VAT on school fees and the removal of business rates relief for independent schools.
Despite the extraordinary efforts of staff, parents, and supporters, the schools have been unable to reach a sustainable financial position.’
It went on to say: ‘Since early 2025, governors and senior leadership have worked tirelessly to prevent the closure of the schools, seeking an alternative future to ensure continuity for pupils and staff.
‘They engaged in complex negotiations to explore different financial models and to find a new owner who would respect the schools’ ethos and build on their achievements.
Moorlands School in Leeds made the similar decision, blaming it on ‘unsustainable financial position’ which had been caused by ‘VAT on school fees’
Queen Margaret’s School For Girls in York, pictured, also announced its closure after ‘tireless efforts’
‘Initially, several educational organisations expressed interest, and one potential partner remained in detailed negotiations until the last few days.
However, despite these efforts, no viable option emerged. As of the end of July, the level of debt and lack of a realistic path to financial viability mean we have no alternative but to proceed into Administration.
‘We know this will be met with sadness, disappointment, and even anger by those who love these schools.
‘We share that sorrow and are committed to being as open and supportive as possible in the weeks ahead. The Administrators have assured us that all options available for the future will be considered.’
‘Our priority now, as we process this news, is the wellbeing of our pupils, their families, and our staff.
‘There will be immediate challenges as the schools enter formal insolvency procedures, during which the appointed professionals will manage the next steps. Regrettably, all ongoing activities, including the Holiday Club, will end with immediate effect.’
