Historic UK school dating back 742 years to close for good – pupils in ‘tears’ | UK | News
A historic UK school dating back 742 years will be completely closed, leaving students “in tears”. Ruthin school, a co-educational boarding and day school in North Wales, will not be accepting students back after the end of term.
The announcement was made by China’s Galaxy Global Education Group, which acquired the school in early 2023. The group also announced the closure of Durham High School the same day. According to reports, more than 100 staff will lose their jobs, while parents of approximately 240 students will have to look for a new school for their children. North Wales Live.
Ruthin School, one of England’s oldest educational institutions and founded in 1284, is scheduled to close at the end of the summer term and go into financial administration.
Despite its long history and strong academic reputation, the school was unable to continue operating.
It was recently named the best independent school in North Wales in the Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 and is also among the UK’s leading boarding schools in league tables compiled by the Independent Schools Council.
Galaxy Global said it was “deeply saddened” and that the closure was “incredibly saddening” for everyone connected with Ruthin School.
A spokesman added: “Despite every effort to secure the future of the school, it has not been possible to create a financially sustainable pathway.”
One of the mothers from Ruthin school said: “This is a big surprise for parents like me. We found out at 16.00 today and my 12-year-old cried with his eyes open all evening.”
Another from Mold said: “Terrible. Not sure how we will proceed. One going into year 11 and the other going into year 7. We are all shocked beyond belief and so sad.”
One of the parents of a Durham High pupil added: “The girls have been advised to clear their lockers this afternoon.
Yesterday morning, they collected fees from monthly paying families and sent the closure letter a few hours later.
“It is very sad for everyone that the school is closing today after 142 years. Good luck to anyone in a similar situation.”
