Private school announces proposed closure

Dwindling pupil numbers could result in the permanent closure of a private school in Essex, its parent company said.

Parents, carers, and staff were told of the proposed closure of Oxford House School in Colchester on Monday, the BBC understands.

Cognita, which runs the school, said the announcement was made with "great sadness" and that the school could close at the end of the summer term.

It said it started a consultation with staff after a review of the demand for places at the school, which considered factors like the falling birth rate and the current economic climate.

"During this consultation period, as well as supporting our colleagues, our focus will remain on the children and making sure that their education continues as normal," a spokesperson said.

The school has 120 pupils between the ages of three and 11.

Private schools elsewhere in the country have announced their closure after the introduction of value added tax (VAT) on school fees.

Labour pledged to end private schools' VAT exemption and business rate relief if it got into government.

VAT at the standard rate of 20% has been charged on private school fees since 1 January.

The government said the move would fund 6,500 new state school teachers in England.

Cognita has not cited VAT as a reason for the planned closure of Oxford House School, but the group warned parents in June it may need to raise fees twice in the current financial year, according to the Sunday Times.

Follow Essex news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.