Fulneck School in Pudsey to close after 270 years

Fulneck School in Pudsey, a private and boarding school in Leeds, has announced it is set to close for good at the end of the current academic year.

The school, which was founded in 1753, said that despite the “dedicated efforts” of the school and the Fulneck Trustees to sustain pupil numbers, a “continued decline in enrolment, combined with rising operational costs”, has made it “increasingly challenging” to maintain financial viability.

The school is situated within the Leeds West and Pudsey constituency of chancellor Rachel Reeves. It is a non-selective independent school catering for children from the ages of 3-18.

A statement on the school website states: “Following a comprehensive strategic review and the exploration of all possible alternatives, the Trustees have made the difficult decision to plan for the school’s closure. We understand that this announcement will be distressing for our pupils, parents, staff, and the wider school community.

“The Trustees, Board of Governors and the school are committed to ensuring that the school year finishes as planned, with all teaching continuing until the end of the school year and pupils completing public and internal examinations as intended. We are also committed to ensure a smooth transition for all affected and will offer support to our pupils, parents, and staff throughout this process.”