Overview
- Durham High School, which confirmed on Wednesday, July 1, will close at the end of term and its operating company will enter administration, leaving 281 pupils without a place for September.
- Ruthin School was also told by its owners in early July that it will shut at term end and enter administration, affecting about 240 pupils and more than 100 staff.
- Galaxy Global Education, the Chinese‑linked owner, says falling pupil numbers, rising employment costs and the 20% VAT on private school fees made the schools financially unsustainable and that it tried to find buyers or partners.
- Parents, staff and City of Durham MP Mary Kelly Foy have criticised the timing and transparency of the announcements and accused the owner of possible mismanagement or asset‑stripping, allegations the company denies.
- Joint administrators will decide the future of the school sites while local councils and nearby schools are helping families and staff find places and jobs, and the events have highlighted wider pressures on the independent sector such as VAT, loss of relief and rising costs.