St Anselm's Prep School in Derbyshire announces closure

St Anselm's Prep School in Derbyshire, once named the best in Britain by Tatler in 2021, will close due to increasing tax pressures. The school has been facing financial challenges, which have worsened under the Labour government's new tax policies that include VAT and changes to National Insurance. The closure will take effect after the summer term, impacting 123 students and 54 staff. Parents are upset and feel the decision harms their children's education. One parent, Andrew Rowe, expressed concern that the new taxes hit those who are not very wealthy, making it harder for families to afford private education. St Anselm's has a long history, having been founded in 1888. Two years ago, it joined forces with Birkdale School in an attempt to secure its financial future. The Independent Schools Bursars Association warns that St Anselm's could be one of many private schools to close, with estimates suggesting up to 286 might shut down in total. Parents and community members have criticized the government, claiming the changes restrict their choice in education and disrupt children's social networks. Some see this closure as a loss of what they describe as a "family unit." Local figures, including Tory peers, have commented on the situation, emphasizing the unfortunate consequences of the government's policies on private education. The chair of St Anselm's, Paul Houghton, stated that this was a tough decision, and their focus is now on supporting affected families and staff during this transition.