Historic UK Private School Leweston Announces Sudden Closure After Half-Term

Historic Leweston School in England to Close Permanently After Half-Term

A private school with a history stretching back more than 130 years has announced that it will close permanently after the October half-term holiday, leaving pupils, parents and staff facing a sudden change.

Leweston School, a Catholic boarding and day school near Sherborne in Dorset, England, announced that it would not reopen when the holiday ends. The announcement came with little notice, prompting concern among families who had expected the school to continue operating.

The school has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for the closure.

In its announcement on the school's website, Leweston apologised to pupils, their families and employees for the disruption and the limited notice. It also confirmed that families and staff had been contacted directly.

The closure affects children across the school's educational stages, from nursery through preparatory and senior school to sixth form.

Pupils Offered Places at Other Schools

Despite the sudden announcement, Leweston says every pupil has been offered a place at another school within the Inspired Learning Group from Monday, 2 November 2026.

The schools named in the announcement include Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep, both in Dorset.

Clayesmore is located in Iwerne Minster, while Sunninghill Prep is in Dorchester. Moving to another school may require families to consider transport, boarding arrangements, subject availability and other practical needs.

Although the offer of alternative places provides a possible route for pupils to continue their education, families will need to confirm the arrangements that apply to their individual children.

The short transition period may be particularly challenging for older students preparing for public examinations, as well as international pupils who depend on boarding accommodation and established guardianship arrangements.

Leweston has directed families with questions about places at the Inspired Learning Group schools to parentsupport@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk.

Dorset Council Steps In to Support Families

Dorset Council confirmed on 29 October that it was working with schools, education partners and childcare providers to support those affected.

According to the council, it became aware of the closure on Monday afternoon, at the same time as families, staff and the wider community.

The council's immediate priority is to help children continue their education and ensure that families can access school places and childcare with as little disruption as possible.

Families who need help finding another school or understanding their education options can contact Dorset Council's Admissions Team at admissions@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

For parents seeking nursery or early-years childcare, the council's Family Information Service can be contacted at familyinfo@dorsetcouncil.gov.uk.

The council has also said its early-years team is working with local nurseries and childcare providers to identify available places for children who need alternative arrangements.

These services may be particularly important for families who cannot use the alternative schools named by Leweston or who need different arrangements for their children's ages, learning needs or circumstances.

A School With a History Dating Back to 1891

Leweston School was founded in 1891 as St Antony's and St Joseph's schools for girls.

Over the years, it developed into a co-educational independent school offering nursery, preparatory, senior and sixth-form education. It adopted the name Leweston School in 2007 and welcomed its first senior boys in 2018.

The school offered both day education and boarding, serving families from the local area and overseas.

Its former pupils include British actress Kristin Scott Thomas and Baroness Dido Harding, who led England's Covid-19 Test and Trace programme.

For many families and former students, the closure represents more than a change of school. It marks the end of an institution that has been part of the local education community for generations.

Ownership Changes Before the Closure

The announcement also comes less than a year after a change in the school's ownership arrangements.

In December 2025, Leweston was sold to a subsidiary of Concept Education, a group that also operates The Marist School in Ascot, Berkshire.

In March 2026, a debenture involving HSBC Bank was registered against the school's operating company. A debenture is a form of security that can be used in financial arrangements.

The BBC subsequently clarified an earlier description of this filing: HSBC stated that the debenture was not a loan. The registration should therefore not be reported as proof that the bank had granted a new loan or as evidence of why the school is closing.

Concept Education has been approached for comment, according to the BBC report.

Neither the school's public announcement nor Dorset Council's statement has established the reason for the closure.

Has the UK Private School VAT Policy Caused the Closure?

The closure comes amid wider discussion about financial pressures affecting independent schools in the United Kingdom.

The UK introduced 20% VAT on private-school fees and boarding services from January 2025. The policy has become part of the national debate about the affordability and future of private education.

However, Leweston School has not publicly confirmed that VAT, financial difficulties or any other specific factor caused its closure.

Although the policy may be relevant to broader discussions about the independent-school sector, it would be misleading to present it as the confirmed reason for this particular decision without supporting evidence.

Questions also remain about the future of the school's staff, the handling of outstanding fees or deposits, and the arrangements for students whose education has been interrupted.

These issues may become clearer if the school or its owner releases further information.

What the Closure Means for Pupils and Families

The immediate challenge is ensuring that children can continue their education without unnecessary disruption.

Parents will need to confirm whether the alternative school offered to their child can meet their educational needs, particularly if the child is preparing for examinations or requires specialised support.

Families may also need clarification about:

• Transfer arrangements and the date their child should begin at the new school.
• Boarding, transport and guardianship for pupils who live away from home.
• Curriculum and examination arrangements for older students.
• Unused tuition fees, deposits and any possible refunds.
• Employment arrangements and support for affected staff.

These practical matters are especially important when a school closes with little notice, as families have limited time to make alternative plans.

For families who cannot accept a place at one of the schools offered, Dorset Council has advised them to contact its Admissions Team for guidance on other education options.

What Happens Next?

For now, the confirmed position is that Leweston School will not reopen after the October half-term holiday, and the school says it has offered every pupil a place at an Inspired Learning Group school from 2 November 2026.

Dorset Council is working to support families who need alternative school or childcare arrangements.

The reason for the closure, and the detailed arrangements for staff and outstanding financial matters, have not yet been fully explained publicly.

Further information from the school, its owner or the relevant authorities may clarify these outstanding questions.

Source: BBC News, supplemented by the official Leweston School announcement and Dorset Council's update published on 29 October 2026.

Original BBC report: https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c6rmy8r2ek9eo

Leweston School announcement: https://www.leweston.co.uk/

Dorset Council family support information: https://www.dorsetcouncil.gov.uk/news/dorset-council-supporting-families-following-leweston-school-closure