How do I know when it’s the right time to close your school?

Independent schools across the UK are facing unprecedented financial pressures. Rising costs, reduced pupil numbers, and the recent introduction of VAT on school fees have placed enormous strain on budgets. If your school is starting to feel the pressure, it is essential to act early and make informed decisions.

This guide is designed to support governors, headteachers, and bursars through periods of uncertainty. Whether you’re exploring restructuring, assessing long-term viability, or looking to protect your school’s legacy, the following advice outlines key steps to take and how to access expert support.

Identifying issues early is critical. If you recognise any of the following, it may be time to seek external advice:

• Drop in enrolment or increasing parent withdrawals
• Unbalanced or worsening budgets
• Staff redundancies already being considered
• Concerns raised by trustees or the governing body
• Creditors requesting payment plans

Beware of the risks of unregulated advisers – only licensed insolvency practitioners can handle
insolvency appointments and closure procedures from beginning to end. In contrast, unlicensed
insolvency advisers will pass your enquiry onto a third party and charge a premium for doing so.
Contact our licensed, specialist team today for FREE.

As a school leader, you carry important legal duties under charity and company law. Failure to act in the best interests of the school, especially in times of distress, can result in personal liability or reputational damage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the school remains solvent
• Seeking advice from professional advisors at the earliest signs of trouble
• Keeping full records of decisions and justifications

Independent schools across the UK are facing unprecedented financial pressures. Rising costs, reduced pupil numbers, and the recent introduction of VAT on school fees have placed enormous strain on budgets. If your school is starting to feel the pressure, it is essential to act early and make informed decisions.

This guide is designed to support governors, headteachers, and bursars through periods of uncertainty. Whether you’re exploring restructuring, assessing long-term viability, or looking to protect your school’s legacy, the following advice outlines key steps to take and how to access expert support.

As a school leader, you carry important legal duties under charity and company law. Failure to act in the best interests of the school, especially in times of distress, can result in personal liability or reputational damage.

Key responsibilities include:

• Ensuring the school remains solvent
• Seeking advice from professional advisors at the earliest signs of trouble
• Keeping full records of decisions and justifications