Perthshire boarding school to permanently close after 93 years
Kilgraston School will permanently close on June 24th 2023
Kilgraston School will permanently close its doors on June 24th 2023.
The Perthshire-based boarding school, established in 1930, will cease operations at the end of the current school term.
All pupils, parents and staff members have been informed, and the school say discussions are ongoing to ensure that alternative arrangements can be made for all affected.
The Bridge of Earn school currently have 247 pupils enrolled and 116 staff members.
Thomas Steuart Fothringham, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, says the closure is down to a multitude of reasons including a "continuing decline in boarding demand" and "the loss of income resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns."
He said: “This has been an extremely challenging and heart-breaking decision. However, having considered and pursued all other alternatives we are, for reasons of financial viability, left with no alternative.
“The loss of income resulting from COVID-19 lockdowns; the effect of lengthy travel restrictions on the international boarding market; continuing decline in boarding demand generally; the resultant erosion of our cash reserves; and, finally, a number of pupil departures during the course of this year mean that we can no longer continue to trade responsibly beyond the end of this term.
“At this point, we have three priorities: the welfare of staff, the welfare of pupils; and assistance for parents in finding places for their children at other schools. We will do all we can to help ensure a smooth transition for all affected.
“We are very sorry not to be able to continue operating a school that is close to all our hearts.”