Wealthy British families are increasingly exploring boarding schools in continental Europe as a response to rising private school fees in the UK. German and Swiss schools have noted a surge in inquiries from British parents, coinciding with the introduction of a 20% VAT on private education by the Labour government in January.
The International School of Bremen in Germany reported a significant increase in interest, with its director, Jamie Perfect, stating that the school has been “inundated” with requests. The school offers competitive fees, approximately £15,000 less than typical UK boarding schools. Fees at the International School of Bremen range from €12,500 for early learning to €18,700 for secondary education.
The introduction of VAT was part of a commitment from the Labour party during the recent general election, aimed at raising revenue to hire additional teachers for state schools. This policy change faced legal challenges but was upheld by the high court. After the VAT implementation, private school fees saw an average increase of 22.6%. The Independent Schools Council found that the average term fee for UK day schools rose to £7,382 in January, compared to £6,021 the previous year.
In Switzerland, St George’s International School also reported increased interest from British parents, some of whom are relocating to the Lake Geneva region. The school’s annual fees for day students range from 31,400 to 48,250 Swiss francs.
Amid these developments, Brighton College plans to open new schools in Spain and Italy by 2027, aiming to appeal to affluent families departing the UK. The trend reflects a broader shift, with many parents reassessing educational options and considering international alternatives for their children. The impact of recent fees has prompted parents to explore a range of choices beyond traditional UK institutions.
Source: https://www.theguardian.com/education/2025/oct/04/weve-been-inundated-european-private-schools-report-surge-in-interest-from-wealthy-british-parents