School Closures-What Next?

Many have you might have seen the recent news that St Clare’s School in Porthcawl and Oakleigh House in Swansea, both private schools owned by Cognita, are to be closed (Wales Online – https://www.walesonline.co.uk/news/education/two-top-welsh-private-schools-31604254). The news came as a shock to many, ironically including this author who has been working as a supply teacher in St Clare’s. The impact to staff and students cannot be expressed but can only be understood from being a witness. I have seen staff and students continuing with their work during this all-important exam period, but the warmth and light that I have come to associate with the culture of St Clare’s has been dimmed by the impending closure. For many of these students, these schools have been all that they have ever known – having come up from the school’s private nursery. Many students now find themselves unexpectedly having to make serious decisions about their futures which will likely separate them from their peers as they spread over multiple schools. Whilst many of these students recognise the privilege and fortune that they have had to attend these schools, it does not make leaving them any easier.

“Why?” is the inevitable question. The recent application of VAT to private school fees cannot be ignored, and for some private schools would have been the final straw. At St Clare’s this appears to not have dented student numbers, but for others this may have pushed their positions into becoming untenable. A larger impact is likely the rise in employer national insurance contributions, which make unprofitable institutions even more of a financial liability for their operators. This when combined with a decline in the birth rate has led to fewer students attending institutions where profits are additionally being squeezed. This has created a perfect storm for some institutions.

The next question therefore becomes “What next?”. This blog has previously noted that private tuition is one of the most effective methods at shrinking attainment gaps between state and private students. Private schools pride themselves on their educational success and small class sizes – tuition can improve upon this by offering bespoke, one-on-one sessions. Each session can be tailored to the student, ensuring that content is delivered in a personalised programme designed to ensure consistency, guidance and understanding. Through providing qualified teachers and subject specialists, we at Cardiff & Vale Tutoring can ensure that any student is able to reach their full potential. Tutors can also help students with transitioning to a new school by providing consistency and subject coaching throughout. With our proven record of academic success, our tutors can provide support and guidance throughout this exam period and beyond.

This Blog was Written By Dr Daniel Chesse

Do take a look at earlier blogs:

The Question of Cardiff University Cuts – Cardiff Vale Tutors

How To Cope With School Disruption – Cardiff Vale Tutors

How A Private Tutor Helps Support Mental Health – Cardiff Vale Tutors