Fulneck School to close, parents blame Chancellor Reeves

A private school in Leeds, established almost 300 years ago, is set to close this summer, leading to anger among parents. They blame the financial struggles on the policies of Labour Chancellor Rachel Reeves, who represents the area. Fulneck School announced its closure due to ongoing difficulties in maintaining financial stability. The school, which serves nearly 300 students, has tried reaching out to Ms. Reeves for help but claims that she has not responded. Sources from the school express concern as they face increasing challenges amidst declining student enrollment. The announcement shocked many in the community. Parents were given only four months' notice and are worried about finding new schools, especially for children with special needs who benefit from specialized support. Local Councillor Simon Seary criticized rising costs, such as business rates and VAT on fees, as factors hurting the school. He highlighted that students may struggle to find alternative education options now that placements for the next academic year have already been submitted. One parent expressed frustration, stating that Reeves’ policies made the situation worse when support was needed most. This closure follows another recent school closure in the Peak District under similar circumstances. Fulneck School is the 14th independent school to announce closure since new VAT regulations on fees began earlier this year. The school leadership explained that a drop in student numbers, worsened by the pandemic, made operations financially unsustainable. They have entered a consultation process to support affected staff and families during this transition. The school remains committed to completing the academic year and assisting the community through this challenging time.