A private school in the UK closed with just one hour's notice, leaving parents in shock. Abbotsholme School, which had been open for 137 years, shut its doors abruptly on Wednesday, June 10.
Abrupt Closure
The news was reportedly sent at 4:11 pm, during the last class of the day, shortly before many children were to be picked up by their parents. The school, located on 140 acres of rural countryside on the Derbyshire and Staffordshire border, was founded in 1889.
Financial Struggles
The co-educational independent day and boarding school, catering to pupils aged two to 20, had been under financial strain. Accounts filed at Companies House in 2024 revealed that total liabilities exceeded total assets by £1,514,645. The school was acquired by Abbotsholme 2026 Ltd on Friday, May 29, and it was initially announced that the school would close for good.
Earlier Hopes
On Sunday, June 7, head teacher Charlotte Molloy wrote to parents informing them that, following discussions with the owners, the school would remain open in September. She stated, "I know there is a great deal of communication and speculation, so it is important that people know there is now a clear plan in place: Abbotsholme will remain open in September and there is a committed team in place to lead and support the school moving forward."
Sudden Reversal
However, on Wednesday, June 10, parents received a new letter from Abbotsholme 2026 Ltd director Tony Costigan, stating that the last day of school would be that day, except for pupils still sitting GCSE and A level exams. The letter said, "From tomorrow, and with the safety of pupils at the forefront of every decision we make, the school will be closed to pupils. For our boarding pupils, please be reassured that they will remain on-site and continue to be looked after by our dedicated boarding staff, exactly as normal, until collection arrangements have been confirmed."
Staff Shortages
Derbyshire Live reported that teachers who had continued to work without pay for the past two months have now stopped coming to the school. This led to insufficient staff numbers to supervise pupils, forcing the early closure on safeguarding grounds.
Parental Anger
Angry parents are reportedly seeking refunds for payments made for the remainder of the current academic year, as well as for scheduled summer activities and the start of the autumn term. School fees ranged from £2,846 per term for the youngest day pupils to £6,602 per term for day sixth formers. Full boarding fees ranged from £11,661 to £13,225 per term, and up to £15,510 for international students.
It remains unclear whether the closure is temporary or permanent. Express.co.uk has reached out to Abbotsholme School for comment, and Derbyshire Live has approached Mr Costigan and Abbotsholme 2026 Ltd.
