Government decisions force Carrdus to close unless a new owner is found

Banbury’s MP has defended the changes being implemented

The Carrdus School could close from the end of the spring term next year due to the financial decisions of the Labour government since its election in July.   The school’s governors are currently reviewing the future of the school and are looking for a new owner, but have warned parents that closure is possible.

The independent school, which is based at Banbury Lane near to Overthorpe, is attended by just over 100 pupils aged 3-11 years.

The school says a number of parents have indicated they will be withdrawing their child because of the VAT charge the government is to introduce on private school fees. That, alongside the impact of employer National Insurance Contribution increases and changes to charitable relief on business rates, has put huge pressure on the school’s finances and that of the families.

The Carrdus School is owned by Tudor Hall School and the decision has been reached by the board of governors which oversees both schools.

Julie Lodrick, Headmistress of Tudor Hall School, said: “We are currently reviewing the future of Carrdus School following the government’s decisions to introduce VAT on parents’ school fees mid-way through the school year, remove charitable business rates relief and increase employers’ national insurance contributions. This combination of factors has put both huge pressure on the school’s finances and on our families with a number of parents giving notice to withdraw their child from the school.

“The governors have been focused on options that would allow Carrdus School to continue operations under new ownership. Whilst these efforts are continuing the governors have concluded, with profound regret, that if a purchaser of the school is not found, Carrdus School is likely to close at the end of the spring term 2025.

“We want to give parents as much notice as possible and are supporting them to secure places for their children at other local schools. We would like to take this opportunity to thank the parents and staff who have worked tirelessly to make Carrdus such a special school for generations of children who have flourished within its warm and nurturing community. This is a very sad day for the parents, the staff and of course the children, who will suffer most.”

Banbury’s MP has defended the government’s position.   Sean Woodcock said: “I am really sorry to hear about the closure of Carrdus School and particularly the impact of the closure on pupils, parents and staff.

“I know the important role that private and independent schools play in our community. But Labour’s policy on removing tax exemptions enjoyed by private schools to fund additional teachers and resources in our state schools, attended by 93% of pupils in the UK, was made clear well in advance of the election and was clearly stated in our manifesto.

“Every week I visit state schools in my constituency. Each and every time, headteachers and governors tell me about the issues that 14 years of under-funding of our state schools have caused. Not being able to recruit key members of staff such as a deputy head; a lack of provision for children with special educational needs; teachers paying for stationery and even buying lunch for their pupils who cannot afford it. These are real sacrifices being made that affect the life chances of all of our children.

“On the other hand, private schools across the country have been increasing fees well above the level of inflation year after year, whilst benefitting from a tax loophole. If private schools choose to pass on the cost of closing that loophole, that is up to them. But my focus is on ensuring the state schools in this constituency get the funding they need to provide a high-quality education for all our children, regardless of background.”

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Published: 11/11/2024 12:33pm by Banbury FM Newsteam

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