A historic independent school in north Wales has announced it will close its doors after more than a century, citing severe financial strain. St Gerard's School in Bangor, established in 1917, will shut at the end of the current term, leaving all 30 staff members facing redundancy.
The school's trustees described the decision as "incredibly difficult" and pointed to recent policy changes as major factors. These include the introduction of VAT on school fees, the loss of charitable status, and increases to national insurance contributions, according to reports.
Financial Pressures Mount
In an official statement, the school said: "These pressures, combined with other mounting costs and the ongoing challenge of maintaining pupil numbers mean that the school is unfortunately no longer viable."
The closure follows that of St Clare's School in Porthcawl, south Wales, which was acquired by parents and will reopen under new leadership in September. Several other fee-paying schools across Wales have also raised concerns about financial strain.
Impact on Pupils and Staff
St Gerard's currently educates 107 pupils from reception through to Year 13. The school has long-standing ties with military families stationed at the nearby RAF Valley base, where Prince William was once stationed.
The school will continue to operate normally until the end of term on 3 July, with all public examinations proceeding as planned. Trustees are working with affected families to help pupils find suitable alternative placements for September.
A spokesperson 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."
Pupil Reaction
Year 12 pupil Freya Brown, who is preparing for her A-levels, described being "stunned" by the announcement. Her mother Joanne expressed "massive relief" after securing a place for Freya at St David's College in Llandudno.
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's been quite scary."
Support from St David's College
St David's College will take on two members of staff from St Gerard's to ease the transition for transferring pupils. Dr Trudie Tough will join as an English teacher and chaplain, while Matthew Owen will provide continuity for sixth formers studying A-level politics and history.
Headmaster Andrew Russell confirmed that up to a dozen pupils from St Gerard's could move to his school, which will also provide a dedicated direct 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."
Russell added: "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. We have had 61 incredible years here and we want that to carry on forever."
