“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, which has been a cornerstone of education in Bushey since its opening in 1990, will close its doors for good on April 14, 2026, after 36 years of service.
Immanuel College has long been celebrated for its academic excellence, even being named the country’s top-performing Jewish school by the Times. However, the institution has faced significant challenges in recent years, including a sharp decline in student enrollment and increasing financial pressures. The school currently has only 35 pupils in its Year 7 cohort, generating revenue equivalent to just 18 full fee-paying places due to fee remissions.
The annual fees for attending Immanuel College stand at £29,718, inclusive of VAT, a financial burden that has become increasingly untenable for many families. The introduction of VAT on independent school fees has compounded these challenges, as Levy noted, “The introduction of VAT on independent school fees has added further strain to an already challenged sector.” This financial strain has resulted in reported losses of £2 million, leading the governors to make the difficult decision to close.
As the news of the closure spreads, reactions from the community have been heartfelt. Oliver Dowden, a prominent figure in the area, expressed his sorrow, stating, “I am very sad to learn of the closure of the brilliant Immanuel College.” The loss of this institution will undoubtedly leave a void in the community, affecting not just the students and staff, but also the families and the broader Jewish community in the region.
Currently, Immanuel College employs 158 staff members, all of whom will be impacted by this closure. The focus now, as Levy emphasized, is on “supporting our pupils, families and staff through this transition with compassion, clarity and integrity.” The school is committed to ensuring that the students receive the necessary support during this challenging time, as they navigate the transition to new educational environments.
The closure of Immanuel College is part of a larger trend affecting independent schools across the UK, with more than 100 institutions announcing plans to close since January 2025. This wave of closures highlights the ongoing struggles within the educational sector, as schools grapple with financial viability amidst changing economic conditions.
As the community prepares for the closure, there is a sense of mourning for what has been lost. Immanuel College was not just an educational institution; it was a place where students formed lifelong friendships, where families came together, and where the values of the Jewish community were instilled in the next generation. The legacy of Immanuel College will undoubtedly live on in the hearts of those who have been a part of its journey.
