A historic independent school in Wales has announced it is shutting, blaming sustained financial pressure. St Gerard's School in Bangor, Gwynedd, said it has made the incredibly difficult decision to close at the end of this term, with staff being made redundant.
Reasons for Closure
The school, founded in 1917, blamed recent changes including the introduction of VAT on school fees, loss of charitable status, and the rise in national insurance. These factors, alongside other rising costs and the ongoing challenge of maintaining pupil numbers, mean the school is unfortunately no longer viable, the school said in a statement.
Impact on Pupils and Staff
St Gerard's currently has 107 pupils from reception through to Year 13 and 30 members of staff. It has a longstanding connection with military families based at nearby RAF Valley. The school will continue to operate as normal until the end of term on July 3, with all public exams taking place as scheduled. Trustees and management said they are working closely with families to support pupils in finding suitable alternative provision for September. A majority of staff will be made redundant at the end of term, and the school said it is committed to supporting those affected in finding new roles.
Statement from the School Trust
A spokesman for St Gerard's School Trust said: This has been an incredibly difficult decision and one we have not taken lightly. St Gerard's has been part of the Bangor community for well over a century, and the school's caring ethos and strong values have shaped the lives of generations of pupils. Like many independent schools, we have faced sustained financial pressures in recent years. Despite significant efforts to secure the school's future – including initiatives to strengthen pupil recruitment and exploring options for external investment – it has not been possible to achieve a viable way forward. Our focus now is on supporting our pupils and their families through this transition, ensuring examinations proceed as planned, and helping our dedicated staff find new opportunities. We are deeply grateful to everyone who has been part of the St Gerard's community over the years.
Pupil and Parent Reactions
One pupil described how she and classmates were stunned at the news. Freya Brown's mother Joanne explained their massive relief after finding a new school for Freya, who is due to take her A-levels next year. Year 12 pupil Freya from Anglesey, who has her final year of sixth form approaching, has now got a place at St David's College, a boarding and day school in Llandudno. Mum Joanne praised St David's College for the reassuring support it has given the family through weeks of uncertainty and worry around the St Gerard's closure. Freya only joined St Gerard's in January with her family assuming she would be able to complete her A-levels in politics, English literature, and history there.
Joanne, who works with the NHS, said: It is quite a pivotal moment for us as a family, and the closure just set in a bit of a panic. It has been a difficult time, really challenging, and there has been a lot of uncertainty. It has been quite scary. Freya is in Year 12, the first year of her A-levels, so it is such a crucial time for her education. It was very disappointing to be told St Gerard's was closing. It is such a sad set of circumstances.
Support from St David's College
St David's College will be employing two St Gerard's School members of staff from September to help the students who come from the Bangor school transition easily. Dr Trudie Tough will take up a role as an English teacher and chaplain, while Matthew Owen will ensure continuity for St Gerard's School sixth formers who are studying A-level politics and history, including Freya. Joanne said: Freya will be able to continue with all her A-level subjects, which is great. It is just massive relief that we have something in place and that Freya is happy and confident about going into that final year, which we know is stressful enough.
Freya said she and her classmates were stunned when they were told St Gerard's was closing. She said: I was a bit shocked because it just came out of nowhere. It was very unexpected. But my group didn't have much time to think about it and process it because we had an AS exam the next day. We just had to park the news for a bit because we had the exam to prioritise, but after the exam we were all crying together. I'm very happy that we have got it all sorted now for me to go to St David's. Everybody was so lovely when I went on a taster day to St David's. They have been a really great help. It is definitely such a huge relief to know where I will be in September.
Headmaster's Comments
St David's College headmaster Andrew Russell said up to a dozen students from St Gerard's School could be transferring to his school. The school will be putting on a dedicated direct school bus service from Holyhead. He said: We were all devastated to hear St Gerard's was closing because we have such a strong and long-lasting relationship with them. I used to take the football team to St Gerard's or St Gerard's would come here, and I have known the headmaster Campbell Harrison for a long time. My wife Kate, who works here as a teacher, and I had a few sleepless nights just empathising deeply about the plight of the St Gerard's parents and students and teachers.
Mr Russell said St David's College was a major employer in the area and had 65 academic staff and about 40 ancillary staff. He said St David's College was in a strong financial position. He said: What I always say to my parents is that we are completely transparent and open, and that is reflected in our published accounts which show the strength of our finances. Our accounts have always been stable. For peace of mind, I would encourage any parent considering a school to do their own due diligence. We have had 61 incredible years here, and we want that to carry on forever, and our financial viability ensures our future.
Bursar's Perspective
St David's College bursar Nicola McDonald added: The independent school sector is undoubtedly facing challenges including the impact of VAT on fees, rising costs, and wider economic pressures. However, St David's is in a strong position because of careful financial management, prudent long-term planning, and a clear strategic direction.
