Boarding school to close at end of summer term

Bedstone College opened in 1948 and has about 150 students, including 30 who board

A private school has announced it will close at the end of its summer term as it is "not financially viable" to remain open.

Bedstone College in Bucknell, Shropshire, made the announcement to parents on Friday, citing an "unsustainable situation".

Headmaster Ian Mullins said the addition of VAT to private school fees, as well as the rise in employer's National Insurance contributions, had added "further pressure" to finances but stressed they were not the "root cause".

He added the decision had not been made lightly and it was with a "heavy heart" that he announced the closure.

The co-educational school - which opened in 1948 and has about 150 students, including 30 who board - increased its fees for international students in September and lowered fees for British students, in response to the government's VAT changes.

Mr Mullins said the school had been supported by "significant contributions" from its owner for the past five years, but it was not feasible for the aid to be continued.

He added that despite this, the owner remained "deeply committed to the school's success".

The headmaster said there was "no need for any immediate changes", but it would soon begin to approach other schools to gather information about available places for students.

"Our priority is to help students transition smoothly, ensuring they can continue studying their chosen subjects, preferably on the same syllabuses."

Mr Mullins added that he was committed to the remainder of the school year being "as positive and fulling as possible" for all students.

"This is an incredibly difficult moment for our school community and I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support", he said.