Proposed closure of Loughborough Amherst School

Loughborough Amherst School, part of the Loughborough Schools Foundation, is entering consultation for a proposed closure at the end of the academic year due to financial challenges compounded by the recent introduction of VAT on school fees.
The proposed closure of Amherst, a co-educational Catholic school with 284 pupils aged 4-18, is subject to staff consultation which is expected to be completed by the end of March 2025. Mr Roger Harrison, Loughborough Schools Foundation’s Chair of Governors, writing to Amherst parents today, stated: “Following a Board meeting on Friday 3 January, it is with a heavy heart that I write today to inform you of the proposed closure of Loughborough Amherst School at the end of the current academic year.
“Amherst is a school rich in its warmth and sense of community, with an outstanding reputation for the care and inclusivity it provides to each and every pupil. However, despite significant financial support and sustained efforts to grow pupil numbers, the School has been unable to sustain a surplus throughout its 10 years with the Loughborough Schools Foundation.
“We face a situation now in which operating costs continue to rise, further exacerbated by the recent Autumn Budget announcements. The introduction of VAT on school fees and the removal of a sizeable exemption from business rates were confirmed, along with an increase in National Minimum Wage at a level above inflation and changes to employers’ national insurance. We have, therefore, and with regret, reached the point where it will be no longer financially viable to continue to run the school beyond the end of this academic year.
“We have reached this conclusion only after exploring alternative options and undertaking detailed financial modelling. This has not been an easy decision to make, and I do not underestimate how incredibly difficult and emotional this will be for you and your family. However, the economic reality makes this a necessity to secure a stable and sustainable future for pupils across our family of Foundation schools, particularly given the significant change of external circumstances in which we are now operating.”
Mr Harrison also explained in his letter that if closure was confirmed, the majority of Amherst pupils would be offered a place at one of the other schools within the Loughborough Schools Foundation; Fairfield Prep School (boys and girls 3-11 years), Loughborough Grammar School (boys 10-18 years) and Loughborough High School (girls 11-18 years).
Speaking about next steps, Mr Harrison said: “Our priority now is to minimise the impact on the education and wellbeing of all our pupils, and we will work closely with every family to achieve the best solution for every pupil. Additionally, we shall be providing ongoing support to all members of staff whose jobs may be affected by the proposed closure and will help them transition through this particularly difficult period.”
Please click here to read the FAQs regarding the proposed closure.