Wilmslow Prep School Announces Support for Families Amid VAT Changes
Wilmslow Prep School has introduced a new measure to support families following the Government’s decision to add VAT to private school fees. To help reduce the financial impact, the school will cover around two-thirds of the 20% VAT charge through a discretionary fee credit.
At a time when many schools have raised fees by 15–17%, and some have even been forced to close, Wilmslow Prep will apply an 11% credit to fees for the 2025/26 academic year, starting this September.
Celebrating its 116th anniversary this year, the central Wilmslow-based school had already taken proactive steps earlier in the year to help parents plan ahead. When the VAT policy came into effect in January—earlier than many expected—Wilmslow Prep responded swiftly by absorbing the full VAT cost for the remainder of the academic year.
This latest move reinforces the school’s continued commitment to supporting families and offering reassurance during a time of rising educational costs.
Chair of Governors Diana Stephenson said:
“Last year’s introduction of VAT left parents with little time to plan, especially as it was widely expected to begin at the start of the 2025/26 academic year—not midway through.
That’s why we chose to absorb the full VAT charge initially. Our new credit for the upcoming academic year continues that support and gives parents some financial breathing room.
Needless to say, the response from our parent community has been overwhelmingly positive. This credit is another reflection of our dedication to Wilmslow Prep families.”
The school’s senior leadership team and governors began contingency planning well in advance, consulting closely with parents when the policy was first proposed before last year’s election. This preparation enabled Wilmslow Prep to respond thoughtfully and in good time for the new academic year.
For more information, visit: www.wilmslowprep.co.uk
