An MP has described the closure of a Durham private school as "utterly abhorrent", accusing its proprietors of displaying "a complete lack of compassion and respect" after 281 pupils were left seeking new schools ahead of September.
Durham High School confirmed on Wednesday that it would shut its doors, with the announcement made to families just one day before the end of the academic year. Mary Kelly Foy, MP for City of Durham, condemned the timing of the revelation and challenged the explanations provided by the school's owners, Galaxy Global Education (GGE).
"Breaking the news of closure to any school community merely days before the end of the school year is utterly abhorrent," she said.
GGE Defends Decision
However, GGE dismissed claims that the decision had been made hastily, stating the company had devoted months to investigating options to maintain the school's operation. A spokesperson said: "The suggestion that this decision was taken lightly, or without every effort being made to avoid it, is simply wrong. Over many months, we explored every realistic option to secure the school's future, including discussions with another education provider that continued until the weekend before the announcement."
Nevertheless, the Labour MP stated that justifications she had encountered for the closure, including the school's status as a day school and the introduction of VAT on private school fees, were "completely disingenuous". In a stinging statement following the school's final closure on Thursday, she contended that the VAT policy had been public knowledge before GGE purchased the school and maintained that any financial risks ought to have been uncovered through due diligence.
Allegations of Asset-Stripping
She further asserted the school's future "may have been in a very different position" had the investment pledged by the owners materialised. Families reported they had been "left in the dark" throughout weeks of uncertainty regarding the independent school's future, with some pupils spending what ought to have been their final week of term visiting open days at alternative schools rather than attending lessons.
Additional schools owned by GGE in Wales and Worcestershire have likewise announced their closure, and earlier this year, the company faced accusations of "asset-stripping" by angry parents. The Labour MP revealed she had consulted with staff and parents who claimed proposals to expand pupil numbers had been turned down by GGE.
"There are many very serious questions to answer in this case, not only from GGE, but from everyone involved in this sale," she stated.
Warning to Other Schools
Ms Kelly Foy additionally cautioned that, if reports she had received proved accurate, overseas companies might attempt to acquire additional independent schools throughout the country. "My words to the governors of any schools would be this – proceed with caution and do not let what has happened in Durham be repeated elsewhere," she declared.
Ms Foy confirmed she remains in regular contact with the school's senior leadership team and the families affected, and is determined to pursue the matter "so those responsible... face the consequences of their actions".
Financial Challenges Cited
GGE stated that the school had encountered "significant and sustained financial challenges", citing declining pupil numbers, increasing staffing costs and broader pressures facing the independent school sector, including VAT on school fees. "No single factor was responsible," GGE said, noting that the cumulative pressures had rendered the school "no longer financially sustainable".
The company also rejected allegations that it had acquired schools for property or development purposes, branding the suggestion as "entirely without foundation". Decisions regarding the future of the Durham High School site would now rest with the joint administrators.
GGE added: "Our priority remains supporting pupils, families and staff through this difficult period. We are working closely with local schools to help pupils continue their education with the minimum possible disruption and are ensuring that examination-year students continue to receive support as they move on to the next stage of their education."
Council Support
Meanwhile, Durham County Council confirmed it was providing assistance to the families and staff impacted by the closure. Councillor Cathy Hunt, the council's cabinet member for children and young people's services, confirmed that officers were actively assisting parents in securing places at other schools and had already dealt with numerous requests for guidance.
"We are very conscious that some young people will be in the middle of GCSEs and A-Levels and our officers are able to provide advice and support on the availability of Sixth Forms and other post-16 provision within the local area. Support will continue to be available for young people with special educational needs and disabilities via our SEND teams and we can also provide advice about alternative childcare. We understand that some staff may be seeking employment opportunities and would be more than happy to signpost them to schools and other settings."
