A BOARDING school is set to close after 63 years due to ‘falling pupil numbers, declining birth rate and VAT costs’.
Moyles Court School, in Rockford near Ringwood, said keeping the private school open is “no longer financially viable”.
It has been serving the community from its current location since 1963.
In a letter to parents, the school said it will be closing at the end of the current academic year.
A spokesperson said the decision was not made lightly and follows ‘tireless’ work after rescuing the school from closure in 2016.
They said in recent years the introduction of VAT on school fees has added ‘considerable strain for many hard-working families’, making it difficult to stay in the independent sector.
Moyles Court School said 83 per cent of families who have left or given notice this year are moving out of private schools.
“At the same time, falling pupil numbers driven by a declining birth rate locally and a marked downturn in international boarding have made the school increasingly difficult to sustain,” a spokesperson said.
It was said the school’s parent company has also seen increasing financial pressure with a rise in bursary and scholarship requests.
Moyles Court School said it has explored every avenue, including partnerships, potential acquisition, moving to specialist provisions and opportunities with the local authorities.
“Despite these sustained efforts, the reality is that the market for small, community-focused independent schools has shifted significant,” a spokesperson said.
“In simple terms, the model of the small independent school is becoming increasingly unsustainable in the current climate.”
The school thanked its current headteacher, Paddy Padfield, for his “exceptional leadership during this exceptionally challenging period”.
Moyles Court School has told parents its immediate priority is supporting pupils, families and staff through this transition.
Pupils and their families are said to be supported in securing alternative schools, especially year 10 pupils who are part-way through GCSE studies.
The school said to parents: “Moyles Court has a long and proud history within its community, and we are immensely proud of what it has stood for, a school where children are supported, encouraged and given to opportunity to thrive as individuals.
“We would like to thank you, sincerely, for your trust, your support and for being part of the Moyles Court community.
“It has been a privilege to be part of children’s journeys.”
Moyles Court School (Image: NQ)
