Withdrawal of boarding facilities

[JDH19]

The school our son is due to start, in year 9, 2027 (we have already paid deposit) has announced they are withdrawing boarding facilities from 2026. Flexi boarding was one of the main reasons we signed up, his elder brother did the same. We are now looking at other options. Does this constitute a breach of contract on their part?

Is he not able to attend as a day pupil?

No.

they are offering refund of fees presumably?

Does the contract mention fkexi boarding?

You might possibly be able to get the deposit back if so.

They are giving you over a year’s notice (September 2026)

think about it… you only need to give them a term’s notice to leave entirely

Doubt it. There’s probably some wording in there that facilities may change.
What are the terms for getting your deposit back? In any private school I’ve known it’s a terms notice. Your son isn’t starting for two years - surely you can withdraw and get it back? Is there something else you were hoping for?

It sounds as though the school has far fewer boarders than in the past and that it just is not economically viable going forward. Perhaps better to concentrate on day pupils only rather than go bust. At least the OP has been given two years notice so can decide if they need to consider other options.

It’s a change in contract terms (not a breach of contract) and I would expect they would refund your deposit if you told them you had now changed your mind about attending. Have you asked for the money back?

Obviously they must be able to vary the service they are offering and they have given you a lot of notice so you have not been disadvantaged other than the inconvenience of having to find an alternative. I would expect them to refund the deposit - is that what you are expecting too? Or are you expecting some other compensation? Have you asked for the deposit back?