Froebelian headteacher speaks of devastation as school closures hit

The headteacher of a leading private school in Leeds has spoken of the “devastation” caused by historic institutions closing down, warning that more could follow as financial pressures bite.

- by James Connolly

Anna Coulson, who took the helm at The Froebelian School in Horsforth two years ago, said she had long anticipated the storm - which comes just months after the government began levying VAT on private school fees.

Last week, Moorlands School, a 128-year-old institution in Weetwood, announced plans to close its doors for good. And just three months earlier, Fulneck School, which was established back in 1753, told parents it was doing the same.

“We knew this had been coming for a long time,” said Mrs Coulson. “But to actually see the devastation first hand, I wasn’t prepared.”

“I’ve sat in my office with parents from those schools who have been really distressed. The short notice has put incredible pressure on them to find places for their children. When something like this happens, it’s brutal.”