Parents of Colchester private school 'reeling' after price hike

Littlegarth School in Nayland is the most expensive primary school in the area and for the 2023/24 year charges from £3,999 to to £4,795 per term.

Parents have been “left reeling” after the school announced they plan to increase fees by up to 5 per cent. 

It comes amid an election promise from Labour that 20 per cent VAT increase could be on the cards if they win the general election. 

In a letter to parents from Littlegarth school shown to the Gazette, the school stated that despite the anticipated VAT increase, pupil numbers are set to “temporarily rise” before the VAT effects are felt. 

Change - In January 2018 the school opened a new classroom block (Image: Submitted)

One parent from Littlegarth school told the Gazette: "I appreciate that not many Gazette readers may sympathise with the whining of the average Littlegarth parent but most of us sacrifice to pay for our children's education at Littlegarth.

“The governor's vague response indicated that the school wants to push out lower class parents who already struggle to pay fees while putting to question the worth of the education provided.

"It’s a disaster."

The parent added a parent's WhatsApp group, which contains “some of the most senior business and medical professionals” in Colchester, was "in overdrive" as reaction to the school’s approach "boiled over".

A spokesperson for the Littlegarth school said: “Any General Election could result in a change of government.

“The Independent School Sector is aware that a potential Labour government may seek to apply VAT to school fees, as well as remove charitable rates relief.

"The Chair of Governors wrote to parents about the impact this may have, and how the school is preparing on an ongoing basis."

The spokesperson added: “We are now entering into dialogue with our parents answering as best we can, the questions raised.”