Malvern St James (MSJ), located in Worcestershire, revealed today that its management board is proposing a “planned and orderly closure” by the end of the academic year.
It said the decision had been prompted by “a significant and continuing decline in pupil numbers” in recent years, compounded by the countrywide imposition of VAT on independent school fees, as well as increasing employment costs.
“Malvern St James has a proud and distinctive history, and we are committed to honouring its legacy and the community that has shaped it. While we are not yet able to confirm future plans, we remain committed to acting responsibly and thoughtfully,” read a statement by the school’s chairman of the board of management, Nicholas Grenfell-Marten.
While we are not yet able to confirm future plans, we remain committed to acting responsibly and thoughtfully
Nicholas Grenfell-Marten, MSJ board of management
He said that pupils, families and staff would be the school’s “absolute priority” – with every effort to make sure that schooling, especially for students in examination years – remained unaffected.
Nearby independent K-12 schools have shared their sadness at the news, and have offered to step in with a “hand of help” for families who would like to explore sending their children to nearby alternatives.
Malvern College, a prestigious K-12 school located near MSJ – acknowledged that affected students parents would find the news “unsettling” and the “devastating” impact on staff whose employment has been put at risk.
It said that MSJ pupils would be able to join existing cohorts at Malvern College or The Downs Malvern at their current fee levels and, where already in place, at current fee concessions, until the end of that key-stage of education.
“A simplified application and acceptance process has been developed to support families,” it said.
Malvern College headmaster Keith Metcalfe highlighted that the potential closure of MSJ “marks a significant and very sad moment for its community”. As a fellow independent school in Malvern, we understand firsthand the pressures facing our industry, and my thoughts are with the many staff, parents and pupils who have received this shocking news today,” he said.
“Our team is on hand to support each family, working closely with them to create a pathway that is best for each child, particularly for those approaching key examination stages. This approach allows families to move forward with confidence within a strong and established educational environment that has a long history of academic excellence and outstanding pastoral care in Malvern.”
It marks the latest high-profile UK K-12 school threatened with closure, with Kings Education announcing the closure of its Beckenham campus following a “strategic configuration” of its portfolio.
Like MSJ, Kings Education laid the decision at the door of factors “outside of our control” – such as the VAT tax leading to declining enrolment numbers.
The UK K-12 sector has been up in arms over the policy, which has seen private schools forced to pay a 20% tax on its earnings from school fees since the beginning of this year.
It culminated in a furious – but ultimately unsuccessful – legal battle to overturn the policy.
