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Leweston School Permanently Closes, 600 Children Affected

By Drooid · Oct 30, 2026 · How we work

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Summary

Leweston School closed permanently after half-term because it could not meet financial commitments.
Concept Education, which bought the school in December 2025, said October wages would not be paid.
The school cited VAT on fees, loss of business-rates relief and higher employment costs as pressures.
MP Edward Morello (West Dorset) said the closure left 600 children without places and warned parents may lose prepaid fees.

Summary

Police stopped six balaclava-clad youths trying to break into Leweston School after its sudden closure.
Officers recorded the youths’ details, notified guardians and escorted one minor home.
Sherborne Neighbourhood Policing Team and Dorchester officers pledged ongoing patrols around the vacant campus.
The school said all 577 pupils will transfer to Inspired Learning Group schools, including Clayesmore and Sunninghill Prep, from 2 November.

History

VAT began in 1973 with private-school fees exempt, keeping independent schools out of the 20 % tax. Labour’s 2024 budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, ends the exemption on 1 January 2025; a legal challenge predicts about 100 schools could close by 2028. The sudden shutdown of Leweston School in Dorset highlights pressure on the roughly 2,400 English independent schools.

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VAT began in 1973 with private-school fees exempt, keeping independent schools out of the 20 % tax. Labour’s 2024 budget, delivered by Chancellor Rachel Reeves, ends the exemption on 1 January 2025; a legal challenge predicts about 100 schools could close by 2028. The sudden shutdown of Leweston School in Dorset highlights pressure on the roughly 2,400 English independent schools.

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