Private schools shut after decade-long cash struggle

The closures were announced on Wednesday

Two independent Catholic schools in Derbyshire have closed after the trust that runs them went into administration.

Mount St Mary's College in Spinkhill and its prep school, Barlborough Hall School, announced the "immediate closure" on Wednesday.

Shaun Whyman, chair of governors of the charitable trust, said on the schools' website they had faced "increasing financial pressures" since 2015.

"This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the shock and distress this news will undoubtedly bring to our entire school community," he added.

The schools were founded 183 years ago and became an independent charitable trust in 2004.

Following years of financial strain, the schools were supported by the Jesuits in Britain charity, which provided more than £3m in loans to the trust, Mr Whyman said.

He added that governors and senior leaders had been working to prevent the closure of the schools since early 2025, including looking for a new owner, but were unsuccessful.

Holiday club scrapped

"As of the end of July, the level of debt and lack of a realistic path to financial viability mean we have no alternative but to proceed into administration," Mr Whyman added.

He said the decision to close was a "truly heartbreaking moment" for pupils, staff, and families.

All of the schools' ongoing activities, including a holiday club, have also been stopped with immediate effect.

The schools' statement cited wider challenges affecting independent schools in the UK, including the VAT on school fees introduced in January and the removal of business rates relief for independent schools from April.

The government introduced VAT on school fees to pay for more state school teachers in England.

It was estimated the policy would raise an extra £460m in the 2024-25 financial year, rising to £1.7bn by 2029-30.

Mount St Mary's College and Barlborough Hall School said further information would be shared with families and pupils in the coming days and weeks.

A government spokesperson said: "Ending tax breaks for private schools will raise £1.8bn a year by 2029-30 to help fund public services, including supporting the 94% of children in state schools to achieve and thrive.

"On average, around 50 mainstream private schools typically close each year due to a range of reasons, including financial struggles and falling pupil enrolments.

"In this case, the trust has been operating a substantial deficit for the past five years, well ahead of the end to tax breaks in January 2025."