Falcons School in West Putney will permanently close at the end of this academic year, with parents told that falling pupil numbers, rising costs, and new government taxes have left the school financially unsustainable.
The decision, confirmed by the Inspired Education Group, follows a months-long consultation process and comes after the school formally warned parents in March that closure was “likely”. Despite efforts to grow enrolment and keep fees steady, the school has struggled to stay afloat — making it one of the earliest casualties of Labour’s new VAT policy on private education.
Founded more than 70 years ago, Falcons was previously known as Falcons School for Girls before becoming fully co-educational in 2023. The school currently has just 126 pupils enrolled across its nursery and prep divisions, despite having space for 350. Inspired, which acquired the school in 2023 as part of its takeover of the Alpha Plus group, had attempted to turn things around by admitting boys, freezing fees, and increasing marketing efforts.
“Despite our best efforts, enrolment has remained under 50% over the last two years. This has been intensified by recent government changes such as VAT, increases in National Insurance, and the higher minimum wage.”
The school’s published fees ranged from £3,210 to £5,210 per term, excluding VAT. But after Labour introduced a 20% levy on private school fees in January, parents at the upper end faced termly bills of over £6,270 — a sharp increase that Inspired initially attempted to absorb. The company kept the fees frozen in an effort to avoid losing families, but with staff and operational costs rising, it proved unsustainable.
The March consultation was initiated by email, prompting criticism from some parents over the limited notice and sudden nature of the process. A similar backlash followed the abrupt closure of Falcons Boys Pre-Prep in Chiswick in 2023, also during the transition from Alpha Plus to Inspired ownership.
A school praised, but under-filled
Ironically, the decision to close Falcons comes just months after it passed a full inspection by the Independent Schools Inspectorate (ISI) with flying colours. In June 2024, inspectors praised the school’s “distinctive and happy, family environment,” strong safeguarding culture, and emphasis on emotional wellbeing as a foundation for academic success.
The report found that “all relevant Standards are met” across leadership, teaching, safeguarding, and pupil development. Teachers were commended for their tailored approach, inclusive ethos, and success in helping pupils — particularly those with English as an additional language — reach high standards. Year 6 pupils were said to attain strong results and gain places at competitive senior schools.
The school was led by Headmistress Paula McIntyre and had a non-denominational ethos. It welcomed boys and girls aged 2 to 11 and was affiliated with leading education bodies including IAPS and ISBA. The school also offered bursaries and scholarships, with a strong emphasis on personal development, mental health, and inclusivity.
A broader warning for the sector
Falcons becomes the 11th independent school to announce or consider closure since January, part of a trend fuelled by Labour’s tax reform. The Independent Schools Council estimates that up to 100 schools could close as a result of the policy, displacing up to 40,000 pupils and risking 11,000 jobs. Most closures so far have involved schools within larger groups, including United Learning, Chatsworth Schools, Cognita — and now Inspired Education.
The government has defended the VAT policy as a matter of fairness, arguing that private schools should not receive tax breaks unavailable to other sectors. The revenue, Labour claims, will be reinvested in state education. But critics warn of unintended consequences: added strain on local council school admissions, reduced choice for families, and the disappearance of smaller prep schools that were already operating on tight margins.
For Putney, the closure of Falcons marks the loss of a long-standing educational institution known for its warm environment, creative curriculum, and strong pastoral care. For the families affected, it now triggers a race to find alternative school places before September.
For those displaced, Wandsworth Prep School is a fantastic alternative we are absolutely loving. My daughter has truly excelled there and the students and teachers are absolutely lovely. 337 bus route takes you all the way so easy access as well.