Marie*, 36, has had a rough couple of years. Based in the West Midlands, she has been teaching for a decade. In 2024, she joined a private all-girls’ school as a PE teacher after, she describes, being “lured away from my job at a lovely state secondary – the new role was a dream job!”
While she quickly fell in love with the ethos and dedication at her school she, together with her colleagues, spent her time waiting for the other shoe to drop. The then-chancellor Rachel Reeves had officially confirmed the policy to add VAT to private school fees in summer 2024, which was coming into effect in January 2025. And the teachers could see that they were likely in financial trouble.
“It was becoming rather strange around school,” she says. “Rumours flying and senior leadership started getting unwell. We all continued to work hard, doubling our workload with new starters, making sure everything was the best it could possibly be – then the roof leaked, the Microsoft account wasn’t renewed and bills started to take a long time to be paid,” she says.
After a year of uncertainty and constant stress, the school was finally announced to be closing for good this summer. And the experience, she adds, has taken a toll.
Could El Nino make next year even hotter?
The naturally occurring phenomenon known as El Nino, which can drive up global temperatures up and is gathering over the Pacific Ocean, could be the strongest in living memory, the Met Office has warned.
What is El Nino
El Nino is a natural phenomenon which occurs in the Pacific Ocean every two to seven years.
Normally trade winds blow east to west across the equator – during El Nino, these weaken or reverse.
This pushes up global temperatures as warmth is taken from the ocean into the atmosphere.
El Nino’s impact has already been seen
El Nino has already started to affect weather systems in other parts of the world with below average rains monsoons in India and suppressed hurricane activity in the Atlantic Ocean. In the UK, it is usually felt later in winter.
A particularly strong El Nino coupled with global warming has worried scientists that 2027 could be even warmer.
El Nino is strongest in living memory
We should be clear that this is an unprecedented event. I have never seen an El Niño signal this intense in our forecasts.
Professor Adam Scaife, head of long-range forecasting at the UK Met Office
- El Nino is triggered when the Pacific Ocean’s surface in a certain area is 0.5°C or more.
- But currently it’s over 2°C and could reach 3°C later this year.
- Others suggested it could go above 4°C meaning it would be the strongest El Nino in between 500-1,000 years.
Next year could be hottest ever
The affect El Nino has on global weather ranges drastically. But the Met Office climate scientist Dr Nick Dunstone told the BBC average temperatures across the world could rise next year. This would make 2027 the hottest year on record, after 2024.
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Children’s eyesight is getting worse. This is what parents can do about it
More and more children are becoming
short-sighted, but scientists have discovered it can be reversed through behaviour change.
Why children’s eyesight is getting worse – and what parents can do about it
More and more children are becoming
short-sighted, but scientists have discovered it can be reversed through behaviour change.
Rates of short-sightedness are rising across the world – and we now know why
- In the UK, short-sightedness is rising at a rate of 0.7 per cent per year.
- This means that by 2050 about four in 10 British children will be short-sighted and need glasses.
- But contrary to old myths, we are not (exactly) becoming more short-sighted because of too much screentime.
Short-sightedness is linked to the outdoors
Large research studies have found a lack of time outside causes short-sightedness. This could be because children are simply not using their long-distance vision as their eyeballs develop.
The other theory scientists are considering is that our eyes need the brighter light that we are exposed to outdoors to develop properly.
How to combat
short-sightedness
- Randomised trials suggest more outdoor time reduced the development of new short-sightedness.
- For children who were already
short-sighted, using eyedrops with atropine every night until age 16 helped reduce the degree of
short-sightedness. Specialised glasses can also help.
Snake believed to be first in the world to benefit from human cancer treatment
A 40kg python at Chester Zoo is believed to have become the first snake in the world to benefit from a cancer treatment normally used on humans.
What you need to know
The 15ft reticulated python, which is named after Jodie Foster, underwent surgery in 2024 to remove a malignant tumour.
However, last year, the growth returned, and vets put her under the knife, removing the tumour and part of her jawbone before administering electrochemotherapy to target any remaining cancerous cells.
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A successful surgery
- Vets conducted a final check this week and found no signs of the cancer returning.
- The tumour had stopped Jodie from eating properly but now her appetite has returned to normal.
Ian Ashpole, veterinary officer at Chester Zoo, said: “A few months ago, we genuinely didn’t know whether she’d survive. Now she’s behaving exactly as we’d hope.”
How beavers kept fields green despite summer of drought
A new scheme to restore a river to its natural state and reintroduce beavers to create wetlands has shown how landscapes can become more resilient to drought, the National Trust has said.
How beavers helped
Twenty five wild beavers now live across the river catchment and have created wetlands and ponds that hold water in the landscape to protect against flooding.
A beaver and wetland project officer, a ranger and local volunteers monitor the beavers and provide information to those who have concerns about their impact.
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Local farmers have benefited from resilient wetland grazing habitats, with foliage, shade and water helping livestock to cope in the heat.
Wildlife such as water voles, trout and grass snakes are thriving and new species including green sandpiper, common crane and white stork have appeared.
The UK’s longest river could soon run dry. Why this could have been avoided
The River Severn and the reservoir feeding it are running low after this summer’s hot weather, posing a risk to wildlife.
World’s oldest person celebrates 117th birthday
Ethel Caterham, is celebrating her 117th birthday, after a year of “many firsts” in which she held hands with the King and stroked a llama.
A meeting with the King
Caterham became the oldest living person in the world after the death of Brazilian nun Sister Inah Canabarro Lucas in April 2025.
- She was visited by King Charles in September last year and during the meeting, she recollected his 1969 investiture as the Prince of Wales, saying: “All the girls were in love with you and wanted to marry you.”
A wonderful life
Caterham was born on 21 August, 1909 in Shipton Bellinger, Hampshire and is the last surviving subject of Edward VII, who died in May 1910.
In 1927, she travelled to India, working as an au pair to a military family for around three years.
She met her husband Norman, a lieutenant colonel in the British army, in 1931 and later raised two daughters, both of whom have since died.
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How to be more grateful for daily life in five easy steps
The world feels like a difficult place at the moment, and it can feel very hard sometimes to find things to be thankful for; when we are overwhelmed, we have less capacity to notice and reflect on the good things. Yet, ironically, proactively cultivating gratitude is one of the things that can actually help us feel less stressed.
NHS GP dR RADHA
The science
Research has shown that feeling or expressing thanks can actually alter our brain.
- The balance of neurotransmitters change; more serotonin and dopamine (feel good chemicals) are produced.
- This can be long lasting if we make gratitude a regular habit.
- We also get a decrease in our cortisol (stress hormone) levels which helps lower anxiety.
- Being grateful can strengthen the nerve pathways which triggers positive emotion.
How can we build gratitude?
Change your words
Instead of seeing something as a problem, try to see the opportunities within it.
Our brains are very receptive and what we read or write can alter our emotional system.
Express it
This will not only make you feel good, but you will also get a positive response from others.
How can we build gratitude?
Notice more
Throughout your day, try to notice all the things that are going well; has someone opened a door for you, or smiled?
The basics
By being thankful for the small things every day, we are far more likely to be and stay healthy so that we can enjoy them.
What to do
Gratitude can lead to feelings of optimism, lower our blood pressure, and improve sleep quality.
- Write down what potential good aspects there are to the things you don’t feel like doing, or even what could be worse about it.
- Spend a few minutes writing down three things that you are looking forward to that day, or the good things that have happened to you that day.
- Say thank you to yourself for the things you have achieved, or managed to get through and changed that day.
Sales of battery
electric vehicles hit a record high last year.
Starts at £22,995 for the smaller battery
Available with either a 40kWh battery or a larger 52kWh pack, that offers almost 255 miles, the latest, retro-inspired Renault 5 is both a joy to behold and a hoot to drive.
The interior has been lavished with a level of detail that’s typically reserved for more expensive cars.
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A champion of EV efficiency
It offers a remarkable 491 mile range on a single charge from the 85kWh battery.
It is a technological masterclass inside with the ability to option screens that span the entire width of the dashboard, including an optional display for the front passenger.
Priced from £37,400
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It’s a lot of money to part with, but this is arguably all the car you will ever need.
The £89,000 Macan is a premium SUV that somehow manages to blend Porsche’s reputation for dynamics and sporty driving with everyday practicality.
The 95kWh batteries can go from 10 to 80 per cent in as little as 21 minutes from the fastest public charging outlets.
With the business class-style six seat configuration costing a staggering £76,995, it is by far the most expensive Kia ever made, but it backs up its financial demands with a suite of genuinely useful and impressive onboard technology.
It’s fast, goes a long way between stops and charges relatively quickly but the interior is bland, the onboard technology is infuriating and the experience is devoid of emotion.
All of its gadgetry can’t disguise the fact that performance is weak, even for a typically zippy EV, the ride is fussy at slower speeds and it’s not in the least bit enjoyable to drive on a country road.
- While good value (prices start at £17,935) for the 200-mile max range, there are more interesting options from Hyundai, Citroen and Renault for similar money.
- It attempts to wow with tech, much of which hinders, rather than helps.
- There’s no tangible benefit over mounting your phone to the dash.
- Simply an average driving experience, adequate range and slow charging speeds.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Victorinox paring knife
It’s comfortable to hold, with a point sharp enough for scoring pastry.
ProCook cast iron pan
For unbeatable searing and heat-retention, cast iron is the top choice.
Tesco chopping board
Priced at just £22, I’ve yet to find another board that matches it for sheer value and quality.
The kitchen gadgets under £25
Pyrex jug
It is the perfect vessel for blending smooth sauces, melting butter, or warming stock. It won’t stain like plastic and the red measurements never fade.
Salter scales
“I’ve had my slim little set of Salter Disc Scales for over a decade, and I’m delighted to see they are still made to exactly the same reliable design today.”
Microplane grater
It uses photo-etched stainless steel teeth that stay razor-sharp for a decade, something the lookalike copycats simply can’t match.
Braun hand-held blender
It’s an essential for everything from making velvety soup to getting the lumps out of white sauce.
Bodum cafetiere
As well as delivering great results, cafetieres are easy to clean and there’s no ongoing filter paper costs or pod recycling to deal with.
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The kitchen gadgets under £25
Oxo peeler
What truly sets it apart is the chunky, rubberised handle that absorbs pressure and stays completely non-slip, even if your hands are wet. It is inexpensive and incredibly durable.
Falcon pie dish
Made by fusing porcelain onto heavy-gauge steel for smooth durability, it is dishwasher, freezer, hob, air-fryer and oven-safe.
“I have struggled so much over the past year with all the uncertainty: my confidence is paper thin and I worry for my family, my mortgage and whether this is all a sign that I was not meant to be a teacher at all. Some days I really felt like it was impossible to teach my lessons. An email would be sent mid-lesson about a department restructure, and five minutes later you’d be reassuring a parent that everything will be fine. Surely it’s not supposed to be so hard?”
In 2025, 43 independent schools closed (five specialist schools and 39 mainstream), and 35 in 2026 (12 specialist schools, 23 mainstream, with two closing as a result of mergers), according to government data. While the introduction of VAT has been the headline change causing this shift, other reasons cited include rising operating costs (including the NI increase and removal of charitable business rates relief) and falling pupil numbers – the number at private schools has fallen by 30,000 since 2025.
While more independent schools have opened than closed as per The i Paper’s original reporting, there are many schools like Marie’s that tried to weather the storm, making significant financial restructures until they were forced to close.
Marie says she feels very lucky that she has already found her next job at an academy, especially as the competition was fierce. “I was interviewed for one job alongside two other members of staff from another private school that had closed. 66 people applied for the job. It’s cut-throat out there. Many of my colleagues are looking at changing careers or retraining.”
The process to get this job was gruelling: “I was asked to teach two full lessons including a practical – previously it would have just been half. Then I had to write a scheme of work for KS3 practical in an hour. We were then shortlisted for an interview with the head the next day.”
She notes that it is particularly difficult for older and more specialist teachers – many of whom have been at their schools for decades. “I know many of my colleagues have struggled, mainly because of their age and therefore how much they are currently being paid. Many state schools wish to hire Early Career Teachers (ECTs) as they are cheaper and can be moulded to fit a particular school easier than older teachers”.
This was the feedback that both she and a friend separately received when applying for certain roles. “This is true even when my experienced and brilliant colleagues have said they will go part-time or take a pay cut – they have been ‘too qualified for the role’.”
While Marie is grateful for the security now, it has thrown her future in education more broadly into question. “I am not sure what this next chapter will look like for me as a teacher. I know that many have questioned whether this is the end of their teaching career- I know I certainly did.”
This uncertainty is shared by other teachers. Sam* worked for 12 years as a primary school teacher and head of year at an independent school in South-East England before its closure was suddenly announced at the beginning of summer term, throwing him and his family into financial uncertainty.
“I’ve got a temporary contract at an independent school, but it’s just for a term,” he says. “I took a 33 per cent pay cut just to get the job – when I told them what my pay had been they just laughed and said there was no way they could compete. I actually might have been better not working and claiming the Pay In Lieu Of Notice but it’s worrying having no income coming in with a family, it could take a long time for that money to come in.”
Like Marie, this has made him reconsider his future options: “Now I’m asking whether I branch out, set up my own coaching, do online learning and so on. I’m just not sure what I will do.”
While he says that his maths and science colleagues are faring well (“there’s always a shortage of them”) the rest of the teachers are struggling. This is partly because they were the only independent secondary in their area and jobs at state schools are hard to find. “It sounds awful to say, but there is a bit of snobbery about private school teachers. Some schools don’t consider you a proper teacher because you’re not in a classroom with 30, maybe even 50 kids. They think you’re not doing the ‘proper job’ and you couldn’t hack it.” And, as Sam found, the pay is significantly lower.
Private school teachers can also face challenges regarding their qualifications. It is not mandatory to have a PCSE to teach in private schools – you can also teach if you have a degree or a specialism. But that’s not the case in state schools.
Across the UK, there is a shortage of teachers – the UK government has missed its teacher recruitment target 12 times in the last 13 years – so it should mean that those affected by independent school closures can step in and fill those gaps. But this is not reflected in reality because of the geography of these closures: the closures are happening to schools in smaller, more embedded communities where the available teacher roles are already filled. Marie and Sam are both commuting far longer than previously to reach their new employers.
By contrast, the pupils affected by the school are in high demand. “It was a reminder that the independent sector is a cutthroat business,” Marie says. – our neighbouring schools were like vultures on a carcass, offering our pupils matching price fees, guaranteed for their key stage. When we faced them at fixtures, they gave away marketing packets for our pupils, even approached our parents.”
Sam explains that, in his area, the birth rate has bombed, bringing down the number of reception places needed and directly affecting the demand on primary schools. “There aren’t jobs for teachers and if there are, they’re all part-time or on contract or you’d be taking a massive pay cut. I don’t really know what the future holds for primary school staff, but a lot of my colleagues at the secondary school have gone into things like home tuition or homeschooling.
“I think it’s going to be quite hard to find work in the independent sector again. I know some colleagues have gone to Cairo to the international schools, some even leaving their families here. It’s had an absolutely enormous impact on the wellbeing of those families.”
The result is that these teachers are now joining the waves of others who feel they have to leave the industry. “Every single week my inbox is full of teachers trying to leave the classroom,” Jae Jackson-Loveridge, Recruitment Director at Connecting Education, says. “I think this is largely driven by the teacher recruitment and retention crisis in the UK.” He adds that this flow seems to come more from state schools than redundancy.
All the teachers The i Paper spoke to for this story expressed frustration at what they see as a fundamental misunderstanding of the importance of their school, and a genuine sadness about the repercussions for their colleagues but, more importantly, their former students.
“Eton will always be full, the elite will always fill those places,” Marie says. “It’s the small schools, the ones with the lowest fees, the biggest hearts and most opportunities for the most vulnerable young people, ones who struggled in bigger classes or had difficult EHCPs to meet, that suffer.
“I believed we were creating something wonderful, that we could do something other schools couldn’t. There are so many little bits of magic that the school held, but it’s impossible to describe, it’s only something truly felt and understood when you visit – but of course that’s not possible now.”