Private school facing closure is 'unique' to area

Parents of a child at an independent school in Leicestershire have spoken about the uncertainty they face over its proposed closure.

Amherst School in Loughborough informed 284 pupils on Monday of the plans to permanently close at the end of this academic year on 4 July, citing "financial challenges", including the introduction of VAT on school fees.

Loughborough Schools Foundation, which runs the school, says more than 80% of pupils would be offered a place at one of the other schools in the foundation - but Darren and Jennifer said their daughter had not been offered an alternative yet.

"When I opened the email I couldn't believe what I was reading and burst into tears," Jennifer said.

"There's a lot of tears and a lot of upset at the moment. I think that's magnified by the uncertainty.

"The fact that we have been told by all of our local state schools that there are no spaces in her year group."

The foundation said a final decision on Amherst would be made following a staff consultation, which is expected to end in March.

In a letter to parents, Roger Harrison, the foundation's chair of governors, said: "Despite significant financial support and sustained efforts to grow pupil numbers, the school has been unable to sustain a surplus throughout its 10 years.

"We face a situation now in which operating costs continue to rise, further exacerbated by the recent Autumn Budget announcements."

He added these included the introduction of VAT for private schools, the national minimum wage rise and expected changes to business rate exemptions.

Jennifer said Amherst was "certainly unique in this area".

"There isn't another school like it," she added.

"Many of its children struggle with additional needs and have been failed by the state sector and parents make enormous sacrifices to send their children to that school."

Luke Akhurst, secretary for the Leicestershire branch of teaching union NASUWT, said the organisation rejected the assertion that Amherst school was financially unviable.

Mr Akhurst said: "The immense support from parents shows the backing there is for the school.

"In particular, we believe that the decision to close the school is not related to the increase in VAT and business rates but has in fact been something the foundation has wanted to do for some years now."

The foundation has been approached for comment.

Leicestershire County Council told the BBC there were places available in state schools.

A government spokesperson said: "Amherst has faced long-term financial struggles.

"Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year by 2029-30."

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