Two historic UK private schools bought by a Chinese company are set to close their doors months after its owners were accused of asset-stripping.
Durham High School in Durham and Ruthin School in Denbighshire, North Wales, will not reopen to pupils after the end of the academic term in July, both schools confirmed in statements this week.
The schools are owned by Chinese company Galaxy Global Education, which was accused of asset-stripping in April after it closed another private school in Worcestershire.
Ruthin School, which was founded in 1284, reportedly announced its closure with immediate effect on Wednesday. Durham High School, which was founded in 1884, confirmed it will close at the end of term in a statement on its website on Thursday, shortly after its owners wrote to parents in a bid to reassure them over rumours about the future of the school.
In a statement, Durham High School said: “For 142 proud years, Durham High School has stood solidly as a beacon of hope for girls who were once denied the education enjoyed by their male counterparts,” it said.
“Today, we write the last chapter in this incredible history. It is a terribly sad chapter as our owners are closing the school at the end of this term.”
The school described it as the “darkest of days” and paid tribute to its 281 pupils and staff, saying it was “deeply sorry” they would not be able to continue in “this truly special school”.
In April, Galaxy Global closed Malvern St James in Worcestershire, a year after it took over. The move drew outcry from parents, who accused the owner of asset-stripping, according to The Times.
But owners told the newspaper they strongly denied the allegations and said it had focused on supporting the school, not extracting value from it.
Companies House listings show one director of the Galaxy Global group resigned in June, and the group’s website has reportedly been under maintenance for several weeks.
The Times reported that a letter was sent to parents in mid-June by Nicholas Grenfell-Marten, of Galaxy Global Education, who said: “I am writing to address rumours that we are aware are circulating locally regarding the future of Durham High School, including suggestions that the school may be at risk of closure.
“Durham High School remains open and fully operational. Our focus remains exactly where it should be: on providing an excellent education, strong pastoral care and a positive experience for every pupil in our community.”
Mr Grenfell-Marten added: “Durham High School is not immune to those wider challenges and we keep our position under regular review. However, it is important to distinguish between the reality of managing a school prudently and speculation that is currently circulating.
“We are committed to being open and responsible. In the meantime, if you have any concerns I would encourage you to contact the school directly rather than relying on information from unofficial sources.”
But weeks later the school confirmed it will close.
Galaxy Global also owns Plymouth College, the school attended by Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Galaxy Global and the Department for Education have been contacted for comment.
