Private school to close after 137 years over losses

A historic private school has written to parents to say it is to close at the end of the summer term after it was left with "no alternative".

Governors at St Anselm's prep school near Bakewell concluded the organisation was unsustainable in light of government tax changes and falling pupil numbers.

On Monday, Paul Houghton, chairman of governors, wrote to parents to say there would now be a period of statutory consultation with staff on the planned closure.

Opened by Cambridge graduate and naturalist Storrs Fox in 1888, the school has been a day and boarding school providing education for boys and girls from three to 13 years.

Mr Houghton said pupil numbers had declined and the school had been operating at a "financial loss".

He told parents: "Added to this, the substantial recent government taxation pressures on all independent schools - the addition of VAT on school fees, having to pay increased National Insurance contributions, and the removal of business rates relief for independent schools - it is now unsustainable to keep the school open.

"Our priority now, as we process this news, is the wellbeing of our pupils, you as their families and all our incredible teaching staff teams."

The school said it was offering guidance and support to "smooth the transition" to alternative institutions and providers.

Sarah Dines, former Derbyshire Dales MP, posted on Facebook: "So sad to see St Anselm's prep school in Bakewell is closing in the summer, after 136 years, citing reasons including increases in national insurance on staff, abolition of the business rates concessions, and the imposition VAT on independent school fees."

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