The Recorder has seen a letter from the chair of trustees Simon Bird to parents at Ursuline Preparatory School in Coventry Road, Ilford.
The letter says the school has begun a consultation to close permanently at the end of the academic year.
Ursuline is a private Roman Catholic school that teaches boys and girls from ages three to 11.
In the letter, Mr Bird says: “Over recent weeks and months it has become increasingly clear that the school’s financial position is not strong.
“It has become increasingly challenging to sustain the operating costs of the school’s offering, largely due to economic cost pressures beyond the school’s control, such as the ongoing cost of living, which resulted in fewer pupils in and around the local area being able to take up a place at The Ursuline Prep.
“The recent cost pressures imposed by the government – VAT, the removal of 80 per cent business rates relief and increasing employer NI (national insurance), are some of the drivers behind the cost pressures impacting the school’s future.”
Mr Bird said that he is “sorry” to inform parents that the school is unable to remain open and a consultation with staff has begun to discuss the proposed closure.
The letter continues: “All the trustees have worked tirelessly to avoid this situation; we care deeply for our school community and are extremely saddened that we have reached this point.
“We have received clear and compelling professional advice on the school’s position, and after exhausting all other options, we regrettably see no alternative to a proposed closure at this time.
“At all times, our focus has and continues to be the best interests of the school, our staff and pupils.”
He confirms that pupils will see “no change” during the remainder of the academic year and the school will “do its best” to help in finding alternatives at the end of the year.
According to the letter, New Hall School, a boarding school in Boreham are able to offer places to pupils at the end of year 6.
New Hall School would offer Ursuline’s current day fee rate and any boarding requirements are being offered without an additional charge.
Mr Bird concludes the letter by saying: “On behalf of the Trustees, I would like to express my sincere thanks for your continued support for the school and our staff.
“As an ex-parent with over a 20-year history with the school, I can fully appreciate how much commitment it takes to be a member of our beloved Ursuline community.”
A spokesperson for the school told the Recorder: “Following a comprehensive review, we have found that a range of external factors – such as economic pressures, rising operational costs, and declining birth rates locally – mean that we can no longer secure our long-term financial viability.
“Therefore it is with great sadness that we have announced to our staff and families that we propose to close the school at the end of this academic year.
“Over the coming months, our priority will be supporting our community as best we can.”
