Private school near Lymington could use grounds for weddings

Walhampton School, near Lymington, said these measures would ‘help limit the impact’ of the forthcoming VAT legislation on independent schools.

Currently, private schools are eligible for tax breaks, and they don’t have to charge VAT on tuition or boarding fees.

But as of January 1 next year, 20 per cent VAT will apply to independent school fees and boarding.

The money raised from VAT will fund public services, including education priorities for the next academic year.

A spokesperson for the school said: “Walhampton School are looking at how we can increase the use of our grounds and estate, as part of our strategy to broaden our commercial income, in order to help limit the impact of the forthcoming VAT legislation on independent schools.

“We have a new commercial manager and have recognised that we will need a premises licence should we wish to use the school grounds for events such as weddings, theatre productions, craft fairs etc where there may be a requirement to sell alcohol.”

Walhampton School Trust Ltd has submitted a premises licence application to New Forest District Council to facilitate its plans for events.

The application requests permission for alcohol sales within the school grounds between 10am and midnight daily, broadcast of films indoors and outdoors between 8am and 11pm daily, live music indoors and outdoors between 10am and midnight daily, recorded music indoors and outdoors between 8am and midnight daily, and late-night refreshment provisions indoors between 11pm and 1am daily.

The school added in its application any outside music ‘will end promptly at 11pm’.

A decision is yet to be made on the application.

Walhampton School is a private day and boarding school for boys and girls aged 2-13.

For the 2024/2025 academic year, day fees are £7465 for years 4 to 8, £5865 for year 3, and £3955 for reception to year 2.

Full boarding costs are £3,025 per term, additional to the day fee from years 3 to 8.