Independent schools face closures and widespread redundancies as an aftermath of the financial strain felt by thousands of parents in the city and leisure industries.

Up to 30 independent schools have closed or are due to close in the coming months because of the economic climate. Redundancies are ‘running into their hundreds’ and more are to be expected, claimed the Association of Teachers and Lecturers (ATL).

There was concern when the ATL said some schools had no redundancy policy and closures had exposed managerial weaknesses. At their annual conference, the ATL pledged a motion to campaign to ensure all independent schools had a long term strategic plan to avoid closure, and where not possible, to ensure employers’ obligations to staff were met.