Ruthin School closure sparks debate about taxing 'privilege'

Дата публикации: 03-07-2026 15:57:57

The sudden closure of historic Ruthin School in Denbighshire has left students in tears and teachers "devastated" sparking fierce debate about VAT on school fees and private education

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The sudden closure of historic Ruthin School in Denbighshire has left students in tears and teachers "devastated" sparking fierce debate about VAT on school fees and private education

North Wales Live readers expressed shock and sorrow following news of a North Wales school's closure, sparking a heated debate surrounding private education, taxation and financial responsibility.

Pupils were left in tears and staff left "devastated" by the abrupt closure of the historic Ruthin School. Teachers received just a few hours' warning before the independent school shut its doors.

The closure was confirmed on July 1 by Chinese-owned Galaxy Global Education Group, which took ownership of the school in early 2023. The group simultaneously announced the closure of Durham High School on the same day.

Over 100 members of staff have lost their livelihoods, while parents of approximately 240 pupils are now urgently seeking alternative schools. The announcement sent shockwaves throughout Denbighshire and further afield.

Parents reacted with fury and disbelief. One mother said: "It's a surprise to parents like me. We found out today at 4pm, and I have had a 12-year-old crying her eyes out all evening."

Another parent, from Mold, added: "It's awful, not sure how we are going to move forward, one going into year 11 and one going into year 7. We're all shocked beyond belief and so so sad."

Offering sympathy, the parent of a Durham High pupil noted: "The girls were advised to clear their lockers this afternoon. They took fees from the families that pay monthly yesterday morning and then sent the letter out about closure a few hours later.

"School closes today after 142 years, very sad for everyone. Best of luck to anyone in a similar situation."

Several commenters argued that the government's VAT policy has exacerbated the situation. One reader, Alwyn67 comments: "Really sad to hear this news, especially the impact on students. Hope there is someone out there who can take it on. Hopefully it can be revived like Howells school. And another thing closing in North Wales."

Jnrm says: "Other countries, including most European private schools, do not pay or charge VAT on tuition. Under EU VAT principles, education is exempt from VAT. The Labour tax grab on education in the UK has angered those countries that have schools in the UK for their citizens. It has also resulted in a large reduction in overseas pupils coming to the UK for their education, and British parents sending their children to European schools."

Lj1947 feels: "Don't treat education as a business, is the lesson we learned today, children. If a business wants to provide education for rich people to send their children to fine by me. But it should pay tax. If the business fails, no tears from me. The state should properly fund top quality education for all children."

Jnrm replies: "Pay tax on what? There has never been tax payable on education! These parents are subsidising you! Deluded if you think that people are 'rich'. They do without to pay for their children's education in what is meant to be a democratic country."

Lj1947 answers: "Tax on the fees. People on the lower end of the income scale who send their children to state schools have to do without. Every child should have a good education regardless."

Indigodebz writes: "Those parents are already paying for state education as well as school fees, and now VAT on those as well. Parents who pay for private education also pay toward state education, so no VAT seems fair to me"

Grumpy old git says: "This is exactly what people predicted when Labour introduced VAT on private schools. Resulting in teachers losing their jobs, fortunate children losing a good education and more strain on local schools to accommodate more children. There is also the predicament of the land and building, what happens to that and the effect it will have on the local community."

Daytripper thinks: "Any land will be houses, and hopefully the building doesn't catch fire and will be a nice retirement place. All for more council tax."

Lola36 simply says: "So sad for everyone affected."

While over on Facebook, Richard W comments: "Private education is a privilege; it is beyond the reach of the working class. It has its place in society. Remember, people, private schools were registered charities, which they are no longer. Why should tax payers pay for rich peoples children to have a private education. I have nothing against private education, but the rich should not be subsidised."

Greg O'C disagrees: "There are a few misconceptions here. Firstly, independent schools have not “stopped being charities”. Many still retain charitable status if they meet the Charity Commission’s public benefit requirements. What changed was the removal of the VAT exemption on school fees and business rates relief, not their charitable status. Secondly, taxpayers are not paying for private education. Parents who choose independent schools still pay income tax, National Insurance, council tax and every other tax that funds the state education system. They then pay school fees on top, effectively paying twice for education. Finally, the assumption that everyone using an independent school is wealthy simply isn’t true. Many families make enormous sacrifices, cutting back on holidays, cars and other spending because they believe it’s the best investment they can make for their children.

"We should absolutely strive for an outstanding state education system. But improving one system doesn’t require making another one worse. If every private school closed tomorrow, hundreds of thousands of additional pupils would enter an already stretched state sector, requiring more teachers, more classrooms and billions in additional funding. That doesn’t improve education. It creates a bigger problem. If someone chooses private healthcare, nobody suggests they should stop paying taxes because they aren’t using the NHS. They still contribute to funding the public system while paying privately for their own care. Parents who choose independent schools do exactly the same with education. The idea that they are somehow being “subsidised” simply doesn’t stand up to scrutiny."

Ian P writes: "They are businesses, not charities. They must stand or fall like any other business."

Matt R remarks: "Anyone blaming Labour or any political party needs to actually do some basic research first. An asset-stripping Chinese company bought this school and others long before Labour were in power, and did exactly that, stripped the assets and destroyed the businesses."

Were you surprised that the school was closed so quickly? Comment below or HERE to have your say.

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