UK (Parliament Politics Magazine) – Labour’s VAT and tax increases closed Dudley’s King Alfred Christian School, with rising fees forcing families to withdraw children.
As reported by The Telegraph, a low-cost Christian school has closed, with Labour’s VAT raid cited as the reason.
Dudley’s King Alfred Christian School in the West Midlands is one of many to close following the Government’s 20% VAT on fees. The school, charging annual fees of £7,200, described itself as a flagship of classical Christian education.
What did the school founders say about the closure?
In a statement posted, its founders stated,
“The school leadership fought until the very end to keep the school open through fundraising and attracting new students, but unfortunately, we were not in a position to continue.”
They added,
“Since VAT was applied to fees, many existing and prospective families have informed us that they can no longer afford to meet rising costs and have withdrawn their children from the school and applications for next year.”
What did Steve Beegoo say about King Alfred’s closure?
Christian groups have described King Alfred’s closure as “deeply concerning.”
Steve Beegoo from Christian Concern added,
“It’s yet further evidence that low-cost, low-salary schools, providing excellent and innovative education, which save the state system money, are being financially targeted to the point of closure.”
What did Andrea Williams say about the threat to Christian schools?
Andrea Williams, CEO of Christian Legal Centre, stated,
“This is making independent faith-based education unaffordable for many families, threatening the very existence of small Christian schools across the country.”
She added,
“Education freedom is a cornerstone of a truly democratic society, and the ability of parents to choose a Christian education for their children must be protected. If this trend continues, we risk seeing independent Christian education become extinct.”
What did the Government say about ending private school tax breaks?
A Government spokesman stated,
“Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year by 2029-30 and help to recruit and retain an additional 6,500 teachers and raise school standards, supporting the 94 per cent of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.”
What other factors did leaders cite for King Alfred’s closure?
Rising National Insurance and the ending of charitable business rates under Labour were also blamed for the school’s closure.
Other factors in the school’s closure included fewer students due to rising fees and higher rent for the church premises.
The school’s leaders aim to reopen under a more supportive government and with sustainable enrolment. It was established in 2021, had 22 pupils at the time, with annual fees rising from £4,000 to £7,200.
Since Labour introduced VAT on private school fees, King Alfred has been among the schools to close. The levy has led to almost 50 school shutdowns, with the Government aiming to raise £1.7bn.
What reasons did courts give for upholding VAT on private and religious schools?
The High Court rejected a challenge to VAT on school fees, calling the policy proportionate for raising state school funds.
The Independent Schools Council and other claimants said the tax measure restricted access to education for some students, hitting low-income families hardest. The High Court dismissed calls for a VAT exemption for independent religious schools.
Chancellor Rachel Reeves said all VAT revenue would go to state schools, but Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced it would fund affordable housing.
Christian schools in the UK
England has over 4,644 faith schools, mostly Christian, including state and independent institutions. The Christian Schools’ Trust supports around 40 member schools across the UK.
Christian Education Europe is linked with more than 20 schools using specific curricula. These schools offer primary and secondary education with a Christ-centred, Biblically-based approach.