Independent education provider enters Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation

Brookes Education UK Group Ltd, the operators of an independent village school in East Yorkshire which went insolvent, have entered voluntary company liquidation. The independent education provider turned to a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation (CVL) after accumulating high volumes of debt which soon became unsustainable.

Brookes Education UK Group Ltd, which operated Brookes UK School, an independent village school in Risby, near Bury St Edmunds, until it closed a few months prior due to insolvency, entered a Creditors’ Voluntary Liquidation on 9 September 2025.

Insolvency proceedings commenced after the independent education provider declared insolvency and issued a resolution to wind up.

Insolvency proceedings commenced after the independent education provider declared insolvency and issued a resolution to wind up.

The independent school, Brookes UK School, owned by Brookes Education Group UK Ltd, closed with immediate effect in July 2025. The sudden closure was attributed to mounting financial pressures, rising operating costs, reduced enrolment, unpaid fees, and tough economic conditions.

The company set out to secure additional funding and explore alternative options; however, voluntary liquidation remained the only responsible option.

David Rose, Director at Brookes Education Group, said:

“This school has always been more than just a place of learning. It has been a community of committed educators, supportive families and talented young people. We are devastated to see it close.”

Before the closure of Brookes UK School, the independent school had ambitious plans to reform the curriculum and move it in line with other schools in the Brookes Education Group in Canada and India.

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The independent education sector is under unprecedented financial strain, following the introduction of VAT on private school fees, which is fuelling higher tuition fees and unsustainable operating costs.

With more independent schools at risk of a cash flow crisis, actively monitoring financial health is non-negotiable to secure the best outcome for students and stakeholders.

Our highly distinguished team are on hand to expertly guide independent education providers and institutions on the road to financial recovery. To arrange a health check of your private education institution, contact a member of the Education Advisory team.

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