Private school pupil numbers in England fall to lowest in at least a decade

The overall number of pupils in schools in England – including state and private schools – continued to fall (David Jones/PA) - (PA Archive)

The number of pupils in private schools in England has fallen to the lowest point in at least a decade, Government figures show.

It is the second consecutive year the number has dropped, after the Government’s policy to impose 20% VAT on private school fees was introduced in January 2025.