Private school to close after 125 years

The independent boarding and day school near York teaches girls aged 11 to 18

A private school in North Yorkshire is to close after 125 years, with VAT on school fees and other "mounting financial pressures" being blamed.

A statement on Queen Margaret School for Girls' website stated a "strategic review of funding options" had been undertaken and "every possible avenue" had been pursued to find fresh investment, but all had been unsuccessful.

The school, near York, would close on 5 July and, as it was unable to meet the costs of closure, a notice of intention to appoint an administrator had been filed, it said.

The decision was "heart-wrenching" and would be "deeply distressing" for the whole school community, according to Terry Burt, chair of the board of governors.

The independent boarding and day school, which was founded in 1901, is situated in 75 acres (30 hectares) of woodland six miles (9.5 km) from York and provides education for girls aged 11 to 18.

The statement from Mr Burt said "despite the tireless efforts" of the school and board, it had been unable "to withstand mounting financial pressures".

Labour's introduction of VAT on school fees, as well as "increased national insurance and pension contributions, the removal of charitable-status business rates relief, and rising costs for the upkeep and operation of our estate", were all behind the closure, it said.

'Low pupil enrolment'

In his statement, Mr Burt said that over the past 18 months the board had worked hard to respond to the challenges the school faced by "proactively managing resources, introducing energetic new leadership, and expanding our marketing efforts".

The board had looked at a possible merger or sale of the school, which led to "advanced discussions with interested parties", but that was ultimately not successful, the statement said.

It added that pupil enrolment for this September was "below the viable level required to keep the school open beyond the current academic year".

"Our priority is the wellbeing of our pupils, their families and all our incredible teaching staff, and we are committed to ensuring as smooth a transition as possible for everyone", it added.

"We will work closely with every family to achieve the best possible solution for every pupil and will provide ongoing support to all members of staff."

The statement said that education and the day-to-day running of the school, including external exams, would continue as normal until the end of the summer term.

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