Pitsford School will close on 10 July after Dr Craig Walker said financial pressures had left the school with no way to secure its future. The headteacher said administrators are likely to be appointed immediately after the end of term.
Dr Walker posted that it was never a decision its governors wanted to take and that the school had exhausted every possible option to secure the future of the school. The school, run by Northamptonshire Independent Grammar School Charity Trust, teaches pupils aged four to 18 and has about 200 pupils.
Dr Craig Walker and Pitsford School
Dr Walker also said the introduction of VAT on school fees, increases in wages, higher interest rates and the wider economic uncertainty had put significant pressure on private schools. He said the school had completed a comprehensive review of its cost base, resulting in significant restructuring and reduction in expenditure.
The school tried to identify potential partners, acquirers or merger opportunities before deciding to shut. It is taking professional advice in relation to its financial position, with administrators likely to be appointed immediately following the end of term.
Pitsford School finances
Pitsford School opened in 1989 and had 278 pupils in 2014. Termly fees start at £3,360 and rise to £5,835, showing the scale of the income base the school was trying to protect while it cut spending and looked for another route to continue.
Dr Walker said: “We know this news will be shocking and sad and will cause uncertainty for our school community.” He added: “We ask that everyone remembers our pupils, as we will concentrate on ensuring that the final days of our students' journey, are calm and that they leave with happy memories, positive experiences and a sense of pride in having been part of this wonderful school community.”
Northamptonshire Independent Grammar School Charity Trust
The closure leaves about 200 pupils needing a new school before 10 July. For families, the practical issue is no longer the broad pressure on private schools but the short window before term ends and the next legal step follows.
