**Shock as Two Prestigious Welsh Private Schools Announce Closure Amid Economic Pressures**
Two of Wales’s longest-standing independent schools, Oakleigh House in Swansea and St Clare’s School in Porthcawl, have announced plans to close their doors at the end of December 2025. The bombshell decision has left staff in dismay, parents scrambling for alternatives, and local communities reflecting on the broader impact of recent financial and policy changes.
Oakleigh House, which has provided education for over a century, and St Clare’s, established more than 85 years ago, both face closure despite strong academic records and deep roots in their respective towns. The announcement comes in the wake of mounting economic challenges that have befallen private education institutions across the country, with sector leaders warning for some time that such closures could be imminent.
At the heart of the crisis lies a mix of government policy changes and shifting demographics. The introduction of VAT on school fees by both the UK and Welsh governments, alongside increases in National Insurance contributions for employers, has placed unprecedented financial strain on the independent schools sector. Some heads and industry representatives argue that these changes will disproportionately affect smaller schools, potentially forcing many to shut.
For the Cognita group, which operates both Oakleigh House and St Clare’s, a recent internal review concluded that the schools could no longer be sustained in an environment marked by falling birth rates, economic volatility, and a decline in enrolment. In a statement, Cognita emphasised that the decision did not reflect any shortcomings in academic performance. On the contrary, both schools boasted above-average results in English, Maths, and across public exams.
Local leaders have been quick to highlight the potential ramifications. Porthcawl’s Mayor, Councillor Jeff Perren, described the loss of St Clare’s as not only a blow to local education, but also to the social and economic fabric of the community. He noted the potential for increased pressure on state schools as parents look elsewhere for places, particularly since St Clare’s was, until now, the last independent school in the town after St John’s College closed several years ago.
Fees at the two schools ranged widely, with St Clare’s charging between £2,000 and £6,000 per term and Oakleigh House listing annual term rates from reception through year six between £3,736 and £4,492. For many working families, these fees covered not only standard teaching, but also wraparound care, which some parents argue is comparable to after-school care costs in state-funded settings. With rising expenses due to inflation, energy bills and staff salaries, school operators are finding it increasingly difficult to avoid passing costs on to parents without risking a reduction in the quality of the education provided.
Paul Norton, director of the Welsh Independent Schools Council and headteacher at Kings Monkton School in Cardiff, expressed concern about the wider implications for Welsh education. He argued that smaller independent schools offer a critical alternative to mainstream provision and suggested that recent policy changes risk eradicating diversity in the educational landscape. “The application of VAT to all schools fails to acknowledge the unique community role of small independent schools in Wales,” Norton commented, adding that the reduction in parental choice could negatively affect children who do not thrive in state settings.
The closures are expected to exacerbate pressure on maintained schools, with estimates suggesting there are currently around 6,000 pupils in fee-paying provision across Wales. Neither Oakleigh House nor St Clare’s have confirmed their current enrolment figures, but parents believe the Porthcawl school teaches around 150 pupils, a number that has decreased since the pandemic.
Looking ahead, the fate of the soon-to-be-vacant campuses is uncertain. Councillor Perren speculated that the St Clare’s site, situated in the centre of a residential area, could attract developers. He lamented the loss of amenities and green space, raising concerns about how best to use the land for community benefit.
In Swansea, meanwhile, Ffynone House School, another independent establishment that now operates under trustee management, has announced it is ready and willing to accommodate students from Oakleigh House and St Clare’s. Ffynone House is also considering reinstating its primary provision in light of the increasing need for placements.
While some will see opportunity amid the change, there is unmistakable sorrow and apprehension among those directly affected. The closures highlight the fragile position of many smaller independent schools in Wales, and prompt wider questions about parental choice, community needs, and the future of diverse education offerings in uncertain times.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how families, students, and the broader Welsh education system will adjust to the loss of these esteemed institutions. The story serves as a stark reminder of the complex interplay between policy, economy, and educational provision across the country.