Llandovery College, one of Wales' most prestigious rugby schools, is fighting to survive after its chair of governors admitted it was on the verge of closure just weeks ago. The 178-year-old institution, which counts rugby stars George North and Alun Wyn Jones among its alumni, has secured a temporary reprieve but faces severe financial difficulties that leave its long-term future uncertain.
Emergency Funding Request
In a letter sent to the Secretary of State for Education, Bridget Phillipson, on June 4, chair of governors Simon Woodhead requested £1 million in emergency funding to prevent the school's closure before the new academic year. He wrote: "I write to you in confidence to advise you that Llandovery College - a non-selective independent day and boarding school, founded in 1847, and one of very few such schools in Wales - is on the verge of closure. We are committed to seeing our pupils through their current examinations, but unless a rescue package can be secured, we will announce at the end of June that the College will not reopen in September."
Impact of Government Policies
Woodhead attributed the school's financial crisis to recent government policies, including the introduction of VAT on independent school fees, higher employer National Insurance contributions, increased National Living Wage costs, and the removal of business rates relief in Wales. According to the letter, these measures caused pupil numbers to fall, eliminated the school's operating surplus, and created a cash-flow crisis, despite the school having been profitable as recently as 2023.
Short-Term Survival Secured
In a later letter to parents and guardians on June 25, Woodhead revealed the college would survive for now after securing outside funding. He noted that a required increase in fees caused a collapse in the school's roll from 265 pre-policy to 211 today, with only 175 students committed for the new academic year in September. He wrote: "With the news flow around the independent sector - over 100 schools now closed since the general election, you possibly expected to receive the ‘other’ version of this letter. Thankfully, owing to amazing efforts all round, and the dividends on 18 months of hard work, we will be open in September and look forward to welcoming your children again."
Woodhead explained that the school had been seeking to address a £1 million deficit by reducing operational costs and securing external funding. He stated: "We have secured strong support locally with a small group of close parties pledging £480k. With underwritten costs for various professionals, the overall commitment across our small group is closer to £600k. The Old Llandoverian Society has also pledged its £20k of funds."
Staff Pay Cuts and Scholarship Changes
Woodhead also revealed that staff have accepted a temporary reduction in pay and have exited the Teachers Pension Scheme. A financial restructuring of the school is now underway this summer. Changes to fees will be introduced, and bursaries and scholarships will be cut back. "In essence, scholarships will be for exceptional talent, and bursaries will be for exceptional hardship, the latter prioritising those already in the college community," wrote Woodhead. "They’ll be subject to a board-approved annual limit and per child cap, and will also be subject to review and variation, rather than persisting for life."
Llandovery College has been contacted for comment. The school, which has partnered with all four professional Welsh rugby clubs to keep young talent in Wales, has produced former pupils who have earned 550 caps for Wales between them.
