International Future Education has entered administration leading to the closure of two of its independent schools.

Padworth College in Reading and Bishopstrow College in Wiltshire are both closing after International Future Education could not find a buyer.

In Padworth’s case the school announced in the spring it would close at the end of the academic year and the building was put up for sale.

In Bishopstrow College’s case a notice was posted on the college’s website on Monday stating: “It is with great sadness that Inspiring Futures Education has entered administration from Monday, 30 June 2025.”

Padworth College was a small sixth form international boarding college, preparing pupils, aged 14 to 19 years for entry to universities globally.

Bishopstrow College is an international boarding school, offering English language and academic pathway programmes to prepare pupils from age seven for entry into boarding schools.

In a letter sent to the school community on 26 June seen by This is Wiltshire, the company’s directors informed staff that they “have had to take the difficult decision to put the business into administration,” citing the “ongoing challenging market environment” created by the decision to impose VAT on independent schools fees.

The letter continues: “As you are aware, the imposition of VAT on private school fees has had a progressively significant impact on the independent schools sector, our partner schools and Bishosptrow during the 2024/25 academic year.”

The letter said the company negotiated with more than 30 potential buyers which “recognised the strength of our programmes and our reputation”. However, none “had the confidence to proceed”, given the “challenging market conditions”.