St Hugh’s School, a preparatory school near Faringdon in Oxfordshire, is to teach older pupils to combat “fee inflation” caused by VAT.

The first cohort of Year 9 pupils will start lessons in September next year, with the group set to finish their schooling in 2029.

The school is co-educational and has 350 pupils. The new senior school section is anticipated to number around 150 pupils.

New buildings and facilities are planned and will be on the same site as the current junior school.

The school said its new senior group should help it keep fee rises low.

St Hugh’s headmaster David Griffiths said: “We are building on our strong foundation as a prep school while responding to the clear need for excellent senior education options locally.”

A spokesperson for the school commented: “VAT has impacted all schools. However, we are confident about our future and believe that we will be offering something unique and compelling in the West Oxfordshire area.

“Greater numbers at St Hugh’s will undoubtedly support the long-term financial success of the school and enable us to suppress fee inflation caused by a range of factors including VAT.”

“Senior school pupils will be given a device that will be locked into the school network, but will not be allowed mobile phones.”