Private School Closures

Gareth Snell, the Labour/Co-op MP for Stoke-on-Trent Central, asked the Department for Education what information it holds on the number of private schools that closed in England between 11 May 2010 and 5 July 2024. In response, the Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State for Education, Stephen Morgan, stated that around 50 private schools, excluding private special schools, close each year for various reasons, including financial viability and not meeting required standards. He revealed that 1,102 private schools closed during the specified period, but also noted that the number of pupils in private schools increased in 2023-24 and there has been a net increase of 13 private schools over that time. Gareth Snell then raised the specific case of St Joseph's preparatory school in Stoke-on-Trent, which is closing at the end of the year due to financial viability issues. He asked what support the Department will offer the city council and parents to ensure the affected children can still access high-quality education. Stephen Morgan acknowledged the situation and stated that the Department stands ready to assist, as the Government is committed to high and rising standards in schools. Dame Harriett Baldwin, the Conservative MP for West Worcestershire, then intervened, highlighting the important role that independent schools, such as Malvern College, Malvern St James Girls' School, and Bredon School, play in her constituency, particularly in supporting children with special educational needs. She asked the Minister to confirm that he does not want to see the closure of these schools. In response, Stephen Morgan reiterated the Government's ambition to ensure that all children and young people with special educational needs and disabilities receive the right support, and stated that children whose places in private schools have been deemed necessary by the local authority will not be affected by the tax changes. Finally, Damian Hinds, the Conservative MP for East Hampshire and the shadow Secretary of State, wished everyone well for the academic year ahead. He then asked what Ministers will say to parents next September if, due to Labour's education tax, class sizes are bigger, more schools are full, and fewer children are able to get a place in their first-choice school in certain areas. Stephen Morgan welcomed Damian Hinds to his new role and stated that the Department will work with local authorities to help them fulfil their duty to secure places.