272-Year-Old Independent School Closes in Reeves’ Constituency After Labour VAT Raid – Guido Fawkes

It is with deep regret and a heavy heart that we must share the difficult decision that the School Trustees have taken to plan for the closure of Fulneck School at the end of this academic year, with our final day of operation set for 8th July 2025.
This decision comes after exhaustive efforts to secure the school’s long-term future, including significant financial support from the Trustees in recent years. Unfortunately, despite these efforts, we have faced a sustained decline in pupil numbers since 2012. External challenges-such as the impact of the pandemic, the rising cost of living, and changes within the independent education sector-have further compounded these difficulties, making it financially unviable to continue beyond this academic year.
Following a comprehensive strategic review and careful consideration of all possible alternatives, the School Trustees have reached this conclusion with great sadness. We fully appreciate the profound impact this will have on our pupils, parents, and staff, and we want to assure you that we are here to support you throughout this transition.
To assist families in securing alternative schooling from September 2025 onwards, we will host a School Fair on 2nd April at 2pm, where representatives from other independent schools will be available to provide information and guidance. Additionally, from now on, counselling services will be provided for pupils and parents who may need support during this challenging time.
Our commitment remains to provide the highest standard of education until 8th July. Teaching will continue as usual, and pupils will sit their scheduled public and internal examinations. While this is an incredibly difficult period for our school community, our priority remains the well-being and academic success of our pupils, particularly those in examination years.
We understand that you may have many concerns and questions.
Additionally, our Principal, Mr. Cassidy, has recorded a video message to provide further clarity on this decision.
We deeply appreciate your patience, support, and understanding during this incredibly difficult time. Fulneck School has been a special place for generations, and while this chapter is coming to a close, our priority remains to support our pupils, families, and staff as we navigate this transition together.
Yours sincerely,

Elizabeth Dawson, Chair of Governors