We completely understand how upsetting and confusing this situation is. Families have been told the school is closing and are understandably seeking clarity – yet those working hard behind the scenes to help can’t share all the details. That feels unfair, and we want to explain why this can happen in situations like this.

When a business faces closure or potential sale

In many cases, when a business is at risk or looking for a buyer, discussions happen in private. This is normal and done for important reasons:

• To protect the business: If staff or customers panic, things can unravel before any solution is found.
• To avoid damaging the process: If sensitive information leaks, potential buyers or partners may walk away.
• To keep things stable: Businesses must act carefully to avoid legal risks or unnecessary disruption.

Because of this, people involved in exploring alternatives are required to follow strict confidentiality rules, usually through a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA). These legal agreements make it a civil or criminal offence to publicly share certain details – even if others already know part of the story. NDAs typically cover more than just numbers; they apply broadly, to protect everyone involved.

That means even when people are working extremely hard behind the scenes, they often can’t publicly say who they’re talking to, what’s being discussed, or even whether talks are happening at all.

In many cases, those involved in the process are also formally barred from speaking to staff, contractors, or suppliers of the business without written permission. This is done to avoid confusion, protect operations, and prevent any disruption to the day-to-day running of the business.

Sometimes, if a buyer is seriously considering an investment or takeover, they may work with their legal team to adapt the NDA, allowing them to share certain confidential details with key stakeholders, such as financial backers or investors. Even then, the information is still tightly controlled.

But what if the closure has already been announced?

It’s completely understandable that people would want answers if they’ve already been told a business is closing. But even then, those trying to explore alternatives may still be bound by the same rules, as if nothing had been made public. This is at the discretion of the seller.

This can create a very difficult gap – where the people most desperate for clarity can’t get it, and those working hard behind the scenes can’t say exactly what they’re doing, even if progress is being made.

What if the business were a school?

If the business in question were a school, the “customers” would be parents. And we know first-hand how emotionally exhausting this uncertainty would be. We are all parents, and we understand the emotional rollercoaster this would put families through.

That’s why we would tell anyone in this situation: do whatever feels right for you. Whether that means waiting for updates or making early decisions, this would be fully supported by anyone involved in something like this. Only parents know what’s best for their child.

Time matters – and people are working around the clock

In situations like this, especially when the clock is ticking, those involved in trying to help are painfully aware of the time pressure. That’s why you’ll often find people working late into the night, through weekends, and even while on family holidays – trying to move things forward as quickly as possible.

In the corporate world, this level of urgency is normal – but people are being paid for it. Sometimes, the people trying to help are volunteers, often spending their own time and money to make progress. There’s no reward or paycheck at the end – just a genuine desire to protect something that matters deeply.

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Thank you for your continued patience and support.