Bedstone College on the Powys/Shropshire border is to close at the end of the summer term

Bedstone College at Bucknell has said it is not financially viable in the long term and the upcoming VAT on school fees and national insurance rise has added further pressure.

The headteacher will work to find places for the pupils in other local schools in the coming days.

Headteacher Toby Mullins said the decision had not been taken lightly and he appreciates that it will come as a great shock and disappointment.

He said over the past five years the school has been sustained by significant financial contributions from its owner, who has remained committed to its success.

“However, despite these efforts, it has become clear that the school is not financially viable in the long term. While the upcoming Vat on school fees and national insurance rise has added further pressure, this is not the root cause of our closure – it is simply the final challenge in what has already been an unsustainable situation,” said Mr Mullins.

He reassured pupils and parents that the school will continue to provide the highest standard of education until the last day of the academic year.

He said all teachers are contracted until the end of August and those preparing for external exams will carry on their courses and complete their exams as planned.

Mr Mullins added; “In the coming days I will be reaching out to local schools to gather information about available places for next year. Our priority is to help students transition smoothly, ensuring they can continue their chosen subjects – particularly those midway through examination courses – and preferably on the same syllabuses. We will provide guidance and support throughout this process and I will share further details as soon as they become available.”

For over 70 years, the college has prepared young people to enter the outside world with well-developed personal skills, self-confidence and the finest academic qualifications within their scope. 

Bedstone was one of the first independent schools to become fully co-educational and it has been known for its friendly family atmosphere.

It caters for young people between the ages of four and 18 years in the junior and senior schools.

It has about 156 pupils including 43 boarding pupils

Mr Mullins said he will be available to speak to parents individually or in groups and a scheduled parents’ meeting for year 9 after school will be cancelled, giving him more time to speak to parents.

“This is an incredibly difficult moment for our school community and I want to express my deepest gratitude for your unwavering support. The strength of our students, staff and families has always been at the heart of Bedstone and I am committed to ensuring that the remainder of the school year is as positive and fulfilling as possible for every child.

“We remain immensely proud of everything Bedstone has achieved and deeply grateful for the dedication of our staff, the commitment of our students, and the unwavering support of our parents,” he said.