Kristin Scott Thomas’s £45,000-a-year former private school closes suddenly during half-term after 135 years
Leweston School in Dorset says it will close and will not reopen after the October half-term, apologising to pupils, families and staff for the short notice. The sudden closure has left families seeking new school places and raised concern about the impact on staff, with West Dorset MP Edward Morello saying they had not been paid that month.
The Catholic co-educational school, founded in 1891, taught around 500 pupils from nursery to sixth form and charged up to £14,990 per term. From Monday, pupils can take places at other schools in the Inspired Learning Group, including Clayesmore and Sunninghill. The school gave no reason for closing; the article links the case to wider pressure on private schools after VAT was added to fees and cites an estimate that more than 100 have closed since the tax was introduced.
In short
- Leweston School will not reopen after half-term.
- Around 500 pupils need alternative arrangements.
- Its closure comes amid pressure on private schools from VAT on fees.
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The case for
Private schools facing financial pressure may have to close if they cannot sustain enrolment and costs, and doing so can protect the viability of the wider organisation. Places at other schools in the group may help pupils continue their education, though the short notice makes that difficult for families and staff.
The case against
A closure announced during half-term, without an explanation, leaves families little time to find suitable places and can disrupt pupils’ education, while staff may face immediate financial uncertainty. The school and its owners owed pupils, families and employees clearer communication and a responsible transition, especially given the reported unpaid wages.
Explained simply
Leweston is a Catholic independent school in Dorset, educating boys and girls from nursery age through to sixth form. Founded in 1891, it charged families fees of up to £14,990 a term and was attended by actress Kristin Scott Thomas.
Independent schools rely largely on fees paid by families, and their costs and finances vary. VAT was added to private school fees in the UK, prompting discussion about affordability and pressure on schools, though Leweston has not given a reason for its closure.
The closure affects pupils who need places elsewhere and staff whose jobs may be at risk. Other schools run by the same group, Inspired Learning Group, include Clayesmore and Sunninghill.