Why two top private schools are planning to close after decades

Oakleigh House has educated children for more than a century, and St Clare's for more than 85 years, now both schools propose to shut in the face of uncertain economic times and falling birth rates. Education editor Abbie Wightwick reports

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HERE were warnings it would happen, and it has. The news that two private fee-paying schools in Wales face closure left staff and pupils in tears and parents shocked.

But it was perhaps not such a shock. When the UK and Welsh governments both announced they would impose VAT on school fees, coupled with the UK Government's decision to raise National Insurance (NI) contributions for all employers, those running independent schools warned it could only mean some would have to close.

Now Cognita, owner of St Clare’s School in Porthcawl and Oakleigh House in Swansea, is proposing to close those schools at the end of the year. For more than a century, Oakleigh House has weathered recessions, war and uncertain times - St Clare’s for more than 85 years.

Porthcawl Mayor Cllr Jeff Perren described the proposed loss of St Clare's School as “a blow to the town and community”. He, along with others, said it was a “sign of the financial climate”.

Cognita, which runs schools across the UK and internationally, said a review showed the two it runs in Wales - Oakleigh and St Clare’s - were no longer viable in the current economic and demographic climate. It blamed uncertain financial times, falling local birth rates and a decline in numbers of pupils.

Cognita said the decision was not a reflection of the academic succes of either school. It said St Clare's, which delivers strong GCSE and A-level results, provides an “excellent educational environment”.

Oakleigh House says on its website that more than half of its pupils achieved above average in English and maths in assessments conducted in British Curriculum Schools worldwide last year.

It is not just VAT and NI that have caused worrying economic times for private schools. Families are feeling the pinch and fewer may be able to afford to pay for their children’s education.