SHERBORNE, Dorset, October 27, 2026 â Leweston School, a historic independent Catholic school near Sherborne, has announced it will close permanently after the October half-term break, affecting 577 pupils and leaving families scrambling to arrange alternative education.
The sudden decision means the school will not reopen on Monday, November 2. Parents and staff received notification during the holiday, with some families expressing anger over the limited warning.
Although every pupil has been offered an alternative place through the Inspired Learning Group (ILG), questions remain about examination preparations, boarding arrangements, school fees and the future of employees.
Leweston School Closure: Key Details
- School: Leweston School, near Sherborne, Dorset.
- Closure announced: October 27, 2026.
- Pupils listed: 577, aged two to 19.
- Reopening: School will not reopen after half-term.
- Alternative placements: From November 2, 2026.
- Schools named: Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep.
- Reason for closure: Not publicly confirmed.
Parents React to Sudden Shutdown
Families were informed of the closure with only days remaining before the scheduled return to classes.
According to the Bournemouth Echo, one family member described the decision as “outrageous”. Concerns were also raised about students preparing university applications.
Local reports suggest some staff were notified shortly before parents received the announcement, although the precise sequence has not been independently established.
The school apologised for the disruption and acknowledged the limited notice given to families and employees.
Alternative School Places Offered From November 2
Leweston confirmed that every pupil has been offered a place at a school within the Inspired Learning Group, including Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep.
However, the announcement does not specify how pupils will be distributed between schools or whether all existing subject choices, boarding arrangements and fee agreements will continue unchanged.
Parents should obtain written confirmation of their child’s allocated school, admission date, transport arrangements and any additional costs before accepting a transfer.
GCSE, A-Level and Boarding Students Face Disruption
The closure comes during an important academic period for older pupils, particularly those preparing for GCSE examinations, A-level assessments and university applications.
Students transferring schools may need assistance with examination boards, coursework records, predicted grades and academic references.
Boarding families, including those living overseas, also need clarification about accommodation, personal belongings and future supervision arrangements.
These are potential transfer challenges rather than confirmed difficulties affecting every pupil.
Historic School Had Announced New Partnership in 2025
Founded in 1891, Leweston has served generations of families through nursery, preparatory, senior and sixth-form education.
In November 2025, the school announced a partnership with Concept Education and the Catholic Schools’ Trust, intended to provide additional expertise and investment.
Concept Education’s official announcement presented the agreement as an opportunity to strengthen the school’s future.
The closure less than a year later raises questions about the institution’s circumstances, but no confirmed evidence establishes that the partnership caused the shutdown.
Read More: Related UK School News
Financial Questions and Staff Future Remain Unclear
The school’s public closure statement has not identified a specific reason for the decision.
There has been no confirmed explanation establishing insolvency, declining enrolment or another financial difficulty as the immediate cause.
Questions also remain about possible redundancies, outstanding staff payments, tuition deposits, prepaid fees and the future use of the historic campus.
The development follows other disruptions involving independent education in Britain. The sudden closure of Abbotsholme School highlighted similar concerns about educational continuity, although the circumstances of the two cases have not been established as identical.
Separately, questions surrounding UK school closures linked to Galaxy Global Education have drawn attention to the future of school properties. No direct connection to Leweston has been reported.
Contact Information and Next Steps for Parents
Families seeking information about alternative placements can contact Inspired Learning Group at parentsupport@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk.
For other enquiries, parents have been directed to Hugh Dickinson, chief executive of Concept Education.
Parents should request written confirmation covering school transfers, examination arrangements, academic records, boarding accommodation and any outstanding financial obligations.
With alternative placements due to begin November 2, the immediate priority is ensuring pupils can continue their education with as little disruption as possible. The reason behind Leweston’s sudden closure remains unanswered.
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