Please note, this information has been carefully written to ensure no legal obligations are breached.

Dear St Clare’s Community,

As promised, we are writing to update you on the current position.

Despite our best efforts, we have not yet been able to reach an agreement that would enable the continuation of St Clare’s School beyond December 2025.

We continue to believe that the solution developed by the St Clare’s Independent School Trust (SCIST) is both financially and legally sound. It was prepared with the support of professionals across legal, educational, and financial fields, and is built around a two-year plan designed to give the school a realistic and stable community-led future.

In just over 10 days, more than £1.3 million has been raised through pledges and contributions from parents, alumni, and supporters. This extraordinary level of commitment shows what our community is capable of when we come together. These funds would allow the school to operate through that initial period while a charitable model is established.

A total of 106 children have indicated that they would return, with a considerable number still considering options. We also have visibility of more than 20 children who would join over the next few years, several from families new to the school. So, it is clear to us that there is both commitment in the existing St Clare’s family, and belief in the wider community.

We recognise that the school has faced financial challenges for some time. However, we believe these stem not from a lack of potential or support, but from longstanding structural decisions that have not prioritised reinvestment in the school’s future. With renewed leadership, community backing, and transparency, we believe a different outcome was – and still is – possible.

The truth is that this situation is now incredibly difficult. Despite every attempt to move discussions forward, we are not currently in a position where a community-led future can be implemented. That is a deeply painful reality to confront.

At this point, we believe our only option is to raise wider awareness of the situation – and to ensure that the existence of viable solutions is fully recognised and considered. We remain committed to doing everything we can to make that happen.

If a way forward can be found, it will be because of the care and commitment this community has already shown – whatever comes next.

We remain mindful that many families are now having to make difficult decisions. Please know that whatever path you choose, we understand and support you.

Warm regards

The St Clare’s Independent School Trust Team.