Story perspectives

107 Independent Schools Open, Fees Rise 22%, Special-needs Record

5/5/2026

Summary

Story summary

In 2025, 107 independent schools opened and 71 closed, the biggest net increase since 2007.
The Independent Schools Council said the 20% VAT and loss of business-rates relief have pressured Thetford Grammar, which will close at end of the academic year, and reported private fees rose 22.6% in January year-on-year.
Special-needs independent schools opened a record 91 new schools, bringing total pupils to 194,000 and highlighting a shortage in state-funded provision.

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Story summary

In 2025, 107 independent schools opened and 71 closed, the biggest net increase since 2007.
The Independent Schools Council said the 20% VAT and loss of business-rates relief have pressured Thetford Grammar, which will close at end of the academic year, and reported private fees rose 22.6% in January year-on-year.
Special-needs independent schools opened a record 91 new schools, bringing total pupils to 194,000 and highlighting a shortage in state-funded provision.