Christian schools shutting down following VAT changes

Weeks after the government announced VAT will be imposed on private school fees, the first independent Christian schools have begun to close doors.

Cedars Christian school in Greenock, Inverclyde, closed in September after 25 years, partly because of the VAT move. The school, catering for children aged 5–18, had also experienced a steady drop in pupils on the roll.

Announcing the closure, Jennifer Offord, chair of the school board, said: ‘We are deeply saddened … Our thoughts and prayers are first for our pupils, parents, staff and volunteers, but also our friends and supporters, who have faithfully and sacrificially given to keep the school operating over many years.’