Historic Boarding School in Ramsgate Closes Doors After Entering Administration
A historic independent school in Ramsgate, Kent, has shut its doors with immediate effect for the vast majority of its 500 pupils after entering administration. St Lawrence College, a private day and boarding establishment dating back to 1879, has made around 166 staff members redundant in a sudden closure that has shocked the local community.
Only Exam-Year Pupils to Continue Studies
The institution, which catered for youngsters aged three to 18, will allow only Year 11 and Year 13 pupils to continue their education. This decision enables them to sit their GCSE, BTEC and A-Level examinations, with 44 members of staff remaining to assist them during this transitional period. All other students have been forced to seek alternative educational placements immediately.
Multiple Factors Cited for Closure
School bosses attributed the closure to a combination of falling student numbers, Labour's new levy on private school fees, increasing running costs, and wider financial instability. Fees at the college ranged from £3,702 per term for a day reception pupil to £17,178 per term for a sixth form boarding student, meaning parents could spend more than £50,000 annually on education at the institution.
Community Reaction and Failed Rescue Attempts
Graham Carter, chairman of governors, stated: "This is an incredibly sad day for everyone connected with St Lawrence College. This school has been at the heart of the Ramsgate community, and generations of pupils have benefited from the dedication of our staff and the strength of our community."
Carter emphasized that every possible option was explored to secure the school's future, including a thorough strategic assessment and conversations with prospective partners. One proposal involved merging with Dover College to establish a new campus called St Lawrence Dover College while shutting the current Ramsgate location.
Political Controversy Surrounding Closure
Lord Craig Mackinlay, the former MP for South Thanet, blamed what he called an "absolute tragedy" on Labour's business rate policies and the introduction of the standard 20% VAT rate on private school fees, which took effect in January 2025. Chancellor Rachel Reeves estimated the VAT would raise £1.51 billion in 2025/26 and forecast it would trigger 37,000 pupils leaving the private sector, representing about 6% of the current private school population.
Administration Process and Support Measures
Philip Watkins and Philip Armstrong of business advisory firm FRP have been named as joint administrators and have confirmed they are assisting staff with the Redundancy Payments Service. The college stated that it is collaborating with neighbouring schools and the local authority to help secure alternative placements for displaced pupils.
The institution had places for 500 pupils, including approximately 175 boarders. Despite the rescue efforts, senior staff said it was impossible to identify a viable solution to keep the school operational, leading to the immediate closure that has left hundreds of families scrambling to find new educational arrangements.
