By Ahmed Abdelsalam
Leweston School, a historic Catholic boarding and day school near Sherborne, Dorset, announced it will not reopen after the October half-term, leaving hundreds of pupils without a school. The closure was communicated with minimal notice.
The school, founded in 1891 as St Anthony’s, charged up to £14,990 per term for international boarders. In a statement on its website, the school apologized to pupils, families, and staff for the short notice, saying families and staff had been contacted directly.
Alternative placements arranged
Every Leweston pupil has been offered a place from 2 November at schools within the Inspired Learning Group, including Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep, both about 19 miles away.
Financial context and VAT speculation
Leweston was sold to a subsidiary of Concept Education in December 2025, which also runs the Marist School in Ascot. The school registered for a loan from HSBC Bank in March 2026. Speculation on social media linked the sudden closure to the Labour government’s 20% VAT on private school fees, introduced last year to fund state schools. The school did not comment on the VAT policy.
Alumni and community reaction
Alumni include BAFTA-winning actor Kristin Scott Thomas and musician Zoë Schwarz. Former students expressed sadness on social media, recalling fond memories and sympathy for staff and the community.
The Independent has contacted Concept Education for comment.
