Carrdus School closes for final time
07/07/2025
The school for three to 11-year-olds blamed the government’s VAT decision
by Esme Kenney, Local Democracy Reporter
A private school in Banbury is the first in Oxfordshire to close its doors after the government’s VAT hike announced in its November Budget.
Carddus School, an independent day school for children aged three to 11, closed on Friday (July 4) for the end of term, and will not reopen in September.
In November, the school governors advised that the school was likely to close in April 2025.
A month later they confirmed the school would close at the end of the current academic year, after they could not find a viable bid to keep it open.
The school said the government’s decision to increase VAT on private schools, remove charitable business rates relief and increase employers’ national insurance, made the school’s financial situation unsustainable.
On Thursday Alison Darling, Chair of Governors, said: “This final term has been one of mixed emotions for everyone connected to Carrdus.
“We are all so sad that such a wonderful school, so loved by generations of pupils, parents, staff and governors through its 73-year history, is to close tomorrow because of government policy.
“However, we have also made sure that everyone leaves with the happiest of memories of what a special place this has been.
“The pupils are of course most affected by the school’s closure but have been an example to us all.
“They have been in great form all term and their positive energy and sense of fun have kept everyone’s spirits up.
“We are so proud of them and pleased that almost all have secured places at excellent new schools for September.
“We wish all of them and our staff the very best for their futures.”
The school already had below-target pupil numbers for several years but was able to absorb losses from subsidies from its sister school, Tudor Hall.
They say they had no plans to close prior to the budget being announced.
Published: by the Banbury FM News Team
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Graham On 07/07/2025 at 1:02 pm
Absolute nonsense article. Below target pupil numbers. Not allowing anyone to better it more like. All is not as it seems.