Question to the Department for Education:

To ask the Secretary of State for Education, what estimate she has made of the number of independent schools in England that have closed since the introduction of VAT on school fees.

School closure information is available via the register of schools, which is accessible at: https://www.get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/.

The latest school census data, as at June 2026, reveals pupil numbers remain firmly within historical patterns seen for over the last 20 years. Further information is available here: https://explore-education-statistics.service.gov.uk/find-statistics/school-pupils-and-their-characteristics/2025-26.