Ruthin School in North West Place has been listed for sale at £5 million after closing suddenly in July because of financial pressures. The 742-year-old school was purchased by Galaxy Global Education in 2023, but students and staff were told on the final day before the summer holidays that it would shut.
Anne Roberts, the Ruthin deputy mayor, said: "It's very sad news. I am still reeling. It's huge for Ruthin. They are one of the biggest employers. For the local economy, it will have a real effect. It's hard to believe." The school had 201 pupils and charged annual full-boarding fees of around £15,800 to £54,800.
Ruthin School and FRP Advisory
Sanderson Weatherall listed the property on behalf of the joint administrators at FRP Advisory. The asking price covers the whole estate, including 12 buildings, a 30-bed boarding house, a sports field and more than 24 acres of land. The campus also includes the main school building, dining hall, science block, additional classroom accommodation, sports hall, storage facilities, boarding houses, sports pitches and adjoining agricultural land.
The main building dates from the 1850s and is Grade II listed. Sanderson Weatherall described the sale as a "rare opportunity" and said: "Overlooking an area of outstanding natural beauty, the main campus features a Grade II listed period building on grounds of over 18 acres, housing expansive boarding accommodation, and substantial sports facilities."
Galaxy Global Education in July
Ruthin School was founded in 1284 and refounded in 1574 by Gabriel Goodman. It educated Julian, the son of John Lennon, in the 1980s. The closure leaves the future of the site, the boarding houses and the wider estate to the sale process now under way.
The next step is the disposal of the property through FRP Advisory and Sanderson Weatherall, with the market now deciding whether the campus is sold as a school site or repurposed for another use.
