Moorlands private prep school in Leeds to close after 127 years

A private school in West Yorkshire is to close at the end of the autumn term, blaming VAT on fees and rising budgets for its “unsustainable position”.

Moorlands School in Leeds will close on 31 December, 127 years after it opened in 1898.

According to a statement from the school, the decision to close was agreed by trustees on Wednesday “in the face of increasingly difficult economic conditions that are impacting many independent schools and show little sign of abating”.

The Department for Education said: “Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year by 2029/30 to help fund public services, including supporting the 94% of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.

The school said its decision “followed a period of careful reflection and a thorough review of the school’s financial viability”.

It added: “VAT on school fees, alongside a decline in enquiries and registrations, the withdrawal of charitable relief on business rates, increases in Employer National Insurance contributions, the limited ability of a small school to reduce fixed costs, and the rising budgets required for the upkeep of the school site and buildings, have sadly all contributed to an unsustainable financial position.”

The prep school, which is part of the Methodist Independent Schools Trust, educates children aged two to 11.

The statement added the decision was not a reflection of the school’s staff or governing body, and teachers would continue to ensure education and activities continued uninterrupted.

It said: “Moorlands has been a special place of learning, growth, and community. The history, character, and culture of the school have shaped generations of pupils.

“While this marks the end of an era, the values and memories created here will remain with all those who have been part of its story.”

Parent Jonathan Marsden, whose children attend Moorlands School, said the announcement was “completely devastating” for those families affected.

“We’ve got to make quick decisions suddenly, which are imposed on us by this decision. It’s an absolute disaster for everybody involved,” he said.

“It is incredibly difficult to explain to a seven-year-old over breakfast that they need to change school in a matter of weeks, and mummy and daddy don’t have the answers.”

Mr Marsden said there was a “misconception” that private schools were for the wealthy, with many parents at Moorlands working in the public sector.

He said: “There are lots of doctors, surgeons, consultants and people in other parts of the public sector.

“The reason their children go to Moorlands is because they need the wraparound care.”

A statement from nearby Richmond House School, which is also privately run, reassured parents it remained in a “strong and secure financial position”.

A spokesperson said: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Moorlands School will be closing in December 2025, and our thoughts are very much with the pupils, families and staff affected by this news.

“Richmond House School is in a strong and secure financial position, with robust reserves and healthy pupil numbers throughout the school.”

Anna Coulson, headteacher at the Froebelian School in Horsforth said she was “deeply saddened” to hear Moorlands School would be closing.

“Our thoughts are with the families, children and staff affected by this unexpected announcement, and we extend our heartfelt support to all those now facing a period of uncertainty and change,” she said.

A spokesperson from the Department for Education said about 50 mainstream private schools typically closed every year.

“Local authorities and schools commonly support children and parents in these circumstances,” they said.

“We are confident in local state schools’ ability to accommodate new pupils.”