Leweston School, a private Catholic boarding and day school near Sherborne, Dorset, has ceased operations unexpectedly during the half-term break, leaving around 500 pupils without a school and staff facing unpaid wages. The institution, which charged over £12,000 per term and had been in operation for 135 years, informed parents during the October break that it would not reopen.

Founded in 1891, Leweston catered to children from nursery through sixth form and enrolled 577 students. The school’s notable alumni include actress Dame Kristin Scott Thomas and Baroness Harding, former head of NHS Test and Trace. The administration expressed regret over the sudden closure, apologizing for the disruption to pupils, families, and staff, and the short notice provided.

In response, the school arranged for students to transfer starting Monday to other schools within the Inspired Learning Group, including Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep, both located within a 20-mile radius.

The closure highlights ongoing financial challenges facing independent schools in the United Kingdom. Since January 2025, these institutions have contended with a 20 percent value-added tax on fees imposed by the government. The Independent Schools Council has reported that more than 100 private schools have shut down since the tax came into effect.

In November, Leweston entered into a partnership with Concept Education, described by the Catholic Independent Schools’ Conference as a “strategic alliance” intended to secure the school’s future. Concept Education presents itself as a group committed to safeguarding independent education for future generations. Belinda Rastall, a parent of a Leweston student, said parents had been assured at the time of the partnership that Concept Education was financially stable and that the alliance would protect the school’s longevity.

However, Rastall expressed shock over the closure, noting that parents and staff were informed just minutes apart and that teaching personnel had no prior warning. She described the impact on children and the wider community as devastating and voiced sympathy for the staff.

No further comment was available from Concept Education at the time.