Adrian Bettridge OBE, Bursar at Tudor Hall School, a former Head of Armed Forces Renumeration, explains the importance of schools being financially fit and agile.

• Fees: Has the school managed its finances well enough not to pass on the full 20% VAT hike to parents this year? Are fees rising for 2025-26 or are they able to make no increase? These are positive signs that the school has the financial competency and headroom to reassure its community of current and prospective families.
• Staffing: Every school faces staffing challenges, but has the overall quality of teaching and pastoral care remained consistent over time? For an objective assessment of continued quality teaching, check out the school's recent ISI (Independent School Inspectorate) reports.
• Facilities: Is the school continuing to make plans for the future, demonstrating that their Development Plan is alive and kicking? Is there positive engagement with parents, alumni and the wider community about the future direction of the school? Is the site still well maintained?
• Pupil progress: Is the school committed to long-term programmes and initiatives that will make a difference and benefit pupils over an extended period of time? Look for real curriculum development (Such as High Performance Learning), co-curricular breadth and depth, new sports and activities.
• Word on the street: How did you hear about the school? Rumour and speculation about the trajectory of any organisation are helpful to no one. By all means talk to friends and family about their first-hand experiences but always find out the facts from the horse’s mouth rather than relying solely on dinner party chatter to inform your shortlist of schools to visit. Any school that is confident in its future will be glad to have the opportunity to answer queries.

Tudor Hall’s Governors confirmed early in 2025 that there will be no fee rise for the 2025-26 academic year. In fact, while the fees for Year 9 to Year 13 remain unchanged, we have adapted the Lower School offer (Years 7 & 8) to meet families’ desire for greater boarding flexibility for younger pupils, reflected by a reduction in some fee levels for day and boarding places.

Tudor did not pass on the full 20% VAT to parents in January 2025 and, in response to the financial pressures facing the sector, continues to focus on reducing cost where this is in keeping with the high-quality education and outstanding pastoral support we are known for.