Leweston School closes after 135 years amid VAT raid on fees Leweston School, a 135-year-old private institution near Sherborne, Dorset, has announced its closure following the October half-term. The school, known for its Catholic co-educational approach and notable alumni like Dame Kristin Scott Thomas, cited the financial impact of Labour's VAT raid on school fees as a contributing factor. Students are being offered placements at other schools within the Inspired Learning Group as the community grapples with this sudden decision. A 135-year-old private school has announced it will not reopen after the October half-term amid Labour's ongoing VAT raid on fees. Leweston School, near Sherborne in Dorset, apologised to families for the 'little notice' on the closure. The Catholic co-educational school, which charges up to £14,990 per term, said pupils would be offered places at alternative schools in the Inspired Learning Group. The school's alumni include actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Baroness Dido Harding, who headed the NHS test and trace programme during the pandemic. A statement on the school's website said: 'Leweston School will not reopen after half-term, and will close.Leweston School Apologises for Sudden Closure'We are very sorry for what this means for our pupils, their families and our staff, and for how little notice we have been able to give. 'Families and staff have been contacted directly. ' No reason was given on the school's website for the sudden closure.Leweston School, near Sherborne in Dorset, has announced it will not reopen after the October half-term and apologised to families for the 'little notice' on the closure The school's alumni include actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas (pictured) and Baroness Dido Harding, who headed the NHS test and trace programme during the pandemic From Monday, Leweston pupils can start at a different school in the Inspired Learning Group, which includes Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep. Clayesmore School is an independent school in Iwerne Minster, around a 19-mile drive away, and Sunninghill in Dorchester is around 17 miles away.It comes after the Independent Schools Council suggested that more than 100 private schools had closed since the introduction of VAT on fees. Labour justified the 20 per cent tax by saying it would pay for improvements to the state education system, including 6,500 new teachers.MP Edward Morello Condemns School ClosureHowever, it has hit the financial viability of smaller, cheaper schools, which had to add the tax onto their fees despite catering for a less wealthy demographic. West Dorset MP Edward Morello described the closure of Leweston School as a 'shock and a travesty'. He said: 'I am in contact with all parties and am endeavouring to help all the affected students, families, and the staff, who have not been paid this month.'There are questions to be asked of the owners but right now my priority is those students without a school place next week. ' The school, which taught around 500 children from nursery age to sixth-form, was founded in 1891 as St Antony's and St Joseph's schools. It was renamed Leweston School in 2007 and moved to full co-education in 2018. In November last year, the school announced a partnership with Concept Education and the Catholic Schools' Trust. Concept Education has been approached for comment.