“This is an incredibly painful moment for our entire community,” said Daniel Levy, the head of Immanuel College, as he announced the school’s impending closure. The independent coeducational Jewish day school, located in Bushey, UK, will shut its doors for good after 36 years of operation, a decision confirmed on April 14, 2026.
Founded in 1990, Immanuel College was once celebrated as the country’s top-performing Jewish school, according to the Times. However, the institution has faced increasing challenges in recent years, with a significant decline in pupil numbers and rising operational costs. The current Year 7 cohort consists of only 35 pupils, generating revenue equivalent to just 18 full fee-paying places due to fee remissions.
Annual fees at Immanuel College stand at £29,718, inclusive of VAT. The introduction of VAT on independent school fees has further exacerbated the financial strain on the school, which reported losses of £2 million in its most recent accounts. Levy emphasized the impact of these financial pressures, stating, “The introduction of VAT on independent school fees has added further strain to an already challenged sector.”
The decision to close comes as part of a troubling trend, with more than 100 independent schools announcing plans to shut down since January 2025. The governors of Immanuel College cited increasing strain on school resources and falling pupil numbers as the primary reasons for the closure. The school employs 158 staff across various roles, all of whom will be affected by this decision.
Oliver Dowden, a prominent political figure, expressed his sadness over the closure, stating, “I am very sad to learn of the closure of the brilliant Immanuel College.” This sentiment reflects the broader community’s dismay at losing a cherished educational institution that has served families for decades.
As the school prepares for its final days, Levy reassured the community, saying, “The focus now is on supporting our pupils, families and staff through this transition with compassion, clarity and integrity.” The administration is now tasked with navigating the emotional and logistical challenges that come with such a significant change.
Immanuel College’s closure marks the end of an era for the school and its community, which had high hopes for its role in Jewish education in the UK. As the situation develops, the focus will remain on ensuring a smooth transition for all affected parties, with support systems being put in place to assist students and staff alike.