Andy Drozdziak
An independent Catholic school is proposing to close due to a decline in numbers applying for the school.
Alton School, which opened in 1938, announced on its website last Sunday that the school would close at the end of this academic year and its nursery would close on 31st August due to ‘a continued decline in pupil numbers.’
The announcement also mentioned ‘a combination of adverse political and economic factors’-a reference to Labour proposals to introduce 20% VAT on school fees, which Sir Keir Starmer said would be introduced ‘from this September’ if Labour win the upcoming General Election.
Annual fees at Alton School range from £12,576 in Reception and Year 1 to £18,156 in Years 10 and 11. The Independent Schools Council, which represents 1,200 private schools, reported that enrolments in independent schools have fallen by 2.7 per cent this academic year in comparison to the previous year. This is the steepest decline since data was collected in 2011.
The Alton School statement read: “With deep regret the Trustees announce it is proposed that Alton School should close at the end of this academic year and the school shall not be re-opening in September 2024. The nursery should also close on 31 August 2024.
“Our community has served Alton and the surrounding area since 1938 and it is with deep sadness that we may be unable to continue providing this education in the future. Alton School has always had an outstanding reputation for its strong pastoral care and has much to celebrate in its long history, having educated so many young people.
“This proposal is based on a continued decline in pupil numbers, to the extent that the school has now become unviable. This is due to a combination of adverse political and economic factors.
“The school will be doing all it can to support our staff, parents, and pupils at this difficult time.”