Two UK private schools close after takeover by Chinese owner
Two historic UK private schools bought by a Chinese company are set to close their doors, months after their owners were accused of plundering their assets.
Durham High School in Durham and Ruthin School in Denbighshire, North Wales, will not reopen to students 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 is accused of stripping another private school in Worcestershire of its assets after closing it in April.
Ruthin School, founded in 1284, announced Wednesday that it was closing with immediate effect. Durham High School, founded in 1884, confirmed on its website on Thursday that it would close at the end of term, shortly after its owners sent a letter to parents to reassure them about rumors of the school’s future.
“For 142 proud years, Durham High School has stood firm as a beacon of hope for girls who were denied the education once enjoyed by their male counterparts,” Durham High School said in a statement.
“Today, we write the last chapter of this incredible history. It is a very sad chapter because the owners are closing the school at the end of this term.”
The school described these as “the darkest of days” and paid tribute to its 281 students and staff, saying it was “deeply saddened” that they would not be able to attend “this truly special school”.
Galaxy Global closed Malvern St James in Worcestershire in April, a year after its takeover. This move sparked a backlash from parents who accused the owner of taking away their assets. Times.
However, the school’s owners told the newspaper they strongly denied the allegations and were focused on supporting the school, not extracting value from it.
Companies House listings show that a director of the Galaxy Global group resigned in June, and the group’s website has reportedly been under maintenance for several weeks.
Times Galaxy reported that a letter was sent to parents in mid-June by Nicholas Grenfell-Marten of Global Education, who said: “I am writing to address rumors that we know are circulating locally about 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: providing an excellent education, strong spiritual care, and a positive experience for every student in our community.”
Mr Grenfell-Marten added: “Durham High School is not immune to these wider challenges and we review our position regularly. However, it is important to distinguish between the reality of prudently running a school and the speculation currently circulating.”
“We are committed to being open and accountable. In the meantime, if you have any concerns, I encourage you to contact the school directly rather than relying on information from unofficial sources.”
However, weeks later the school confirmed it would be closed.
Galaxy Global also owns Plymouth College, the school attended by Olympic diver Tom Daley.
Galaxy Global and the Ministry of Education have been contacted for comment.
