Date Posted: 2nd June
Categories: Prep SchoolSenior School
At Wycliffe College, we’ve always believed in balancing ambition with responsibility. That principle has never been more important than it is now.
The independent education sector is facing one of its most challenging periods in recent memory. The government’s imposition of VAT on independent school fees, alongside increases in business rates and National Insurance contributions, is placing pressure on schools and families alike.
We’ve taken a long, honest look at how this affects our Wycliffe community – and how we can respond.
I’m proud to say that, despite the uncertainty, Wycliffe will be freezing its school fees. We’re also introducing a 5% sibling discount for families with more than one child in the school, and reducing the termly and boarding fees for Year 6 pupils.
These decisions are part of our broader commitment to support our families during what we know is a difficult and uncertain time.
We are fortunate to be in a strong position financially. That’s not by accident, but through careful stewardship, long-term planning, and a shared determination from our Council of Trustees and College Leadership Team to ensure we’re resilient – both now and in the future.
We’ve spent the past months scrutinising every element of the College’s operations. We’ve looked at how we can run more efficiently, without compromising on the high standards of education we are known for. This has allowed us to make choices that will genuinely help our families, without risking the long-term stability we’ve worked so hard to achieve.
Of course, financial sustainability is just one part of the equation. We’re also continuing to evolve and grow. As part of that, I’m excited to announce that we are launching a new programme of scholarships at 11+, covering academic excellence, art and drama. A wider review of our scholarship programme will also take place this summer.
It’s no secret that the sector as a whole is under strain, but Wycliffe has weathered many challenges over the years. Our story has always been one of adapting with purpose – and this moment is no different.
All schools, whether independent, state, grammar or academy, are having to make difficult decisions. But not all are in a position to offer this kind of support to families. We know that some of you may be feeling the financial pressure more keenly than others, and I want to reassure you: we are listening, and we want to help wherever we can.
Wycliffe remains committed to providing an outstanding education, from Nursery through to Sixth Form. That’s not just a slogan – it’s our mission. And we’ll continue to do that while making sure our school remains inclusive, supportive and forward-thinking.
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