A Lake District independent school is freezing its fees from September as part of a strategy to help secure its future.
Windermere School, founded in 1863, said independent schools continued to face fierce headwinds – including the introduction of 20% VAT on school fees in January by the Government.
It added: “There is also a backdrop of a national decline in pupil numbers, rising costs, global uncertainties and increased National Insurance contributions.”
However, it said, Windermere School was bucking the national trend and had introduced a number of measures to make sure it continued to thrive.
It recently opened its new junior school to its Browhead campus from its previous site, which would reduce its running costs.
It added that it had implemented a radical cost reduction plan, which also included:
- A freezing or reducing primary fees in some year groups.
- No fees increase in September 2025.
- Increasing revenue opportunities such as hiring out facilities to suitable third parties and innovative ventures including international holiday courses and offering membership of the school’s lakeside watersports centre, Hodge Howe.
Peter Hogan, chair of governors, said: “Coming together on one site will enhance the educational offering for all members of the school community whilst reducing running costs.
“Children from pre-school to Year 6 will benefit from age-appropriate access to all the specialist facilities currently located on the senior school site.
“At the same time, senior pupils will have increased opportunities to demonstrate values, such as leadership and service, by mentoring and supporting their younger peers.
“Working together on academic and co-curricular projects will promote shared learning, teamwork, and mutual respect, helping to further strengthen the family ethos our school is known for.”
