137-Year-Old School Shuts Abruptly After U-Turn

Abbotsholme School, a private institution operating for 137 years, has ceased operations for most students. The school, located on 140 acres near the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, informed parents of its closure on Wednesday afternoon with less than an hour's notice. This decision came as a shock, particularly after its headteacher, Charlotte Molloy, had recently assured parents that an agreement with new owners would allow the school to remain open in September.

The school, which charges up to £44,000 annually, has faced significant financial difficulties for several years. Reports indicate that teachers have not received wages for their final two months of employment. The property was recently acquired by local businessmen Syd Phillimore and Jamie Buchanan, who then leased it to Abbotsholme 2026 Ltd, a company managed by insolvency practitioner Anthony Costigan.

Mr. Costigan had initially announced the school's closure for June 22 following a financial review. However, parental backlash led to a reversal, with Ms. Molloy communicating a plan for the school to continue. This apparent reprieve was short-lived, as another reversal occurred on Wednesday, with Mr. Costigan stating the school would close immediately due to safety concerns, leaving over 220 children without schooling for the next term.