Durham High School closing?

[Wegovygirl]

Can anyone confirm? Rumour mill is doing the rounds that Durham High is closing. I have 2 children there and worried sick.

I had three kids through Durham School and they all loved it. Don’t overlook what’s on the doorstep.

Whilst I agree communication needs to be stepped up a mark for sure.

Appreciate the head teacher “is off poorly” but surely they must have a senior member of staff who needs to step up.

I understand that it’s not a normal process being an independent school, one that had been bought out by a Chinese organised with directors who are property developers apparently but surely the Kids, the parents and all the poor staff at the school need to know what’s going on too.

Ive close friends connected to the school some of which their kids go to the school and some who are working within the school and I feel that no one is saying anything because they actually don’t know.

Feeling for everyone the kids with their education and all the staff with the uncertainly of not knowing if they have jobs to support their own families with too. Especially at this time of the year any jobs would have been recruited for and school places potentially snapped up too.

Have the press been involved with any of this? I’ve seen Malvern all over the news etc but not a fleck about this?

A difficult situation for all involved. If fears are building now due to the swirling rumours I can understand making a move for autumn term. I’m assuming that it’s too late to give notice without having to pay DHS for next term?
very sad. Hoping parents get a decent amount of warning.

I think the three states in the city all have a very different feel to them (in the same way that Durham is nothing like DHS) so where Fram might suit some, DJ might be better for others. In this climate, you can’t excuse Yarm to be putting buses on from all over but even 15 years ago it was taking pupils from all over (just without buses).

Barnard Castle is definitely a good shout though.

I hope some resolution happens soon for the students, teachers and parents. This uncertainty must be unbearable.

Red House is a similar distance if you have transport.

We had actually signed our daughter up to start at Durham High in September, but over the last few weeks we couldn’t get replies to emails or phone calls. Given everything that’s going on, we just don’t feel confident proceeding now.
We went to look at Durham School last week and were pleasantly surprised. We hadn’t realised how much outdoor space there was, especially given it’s right in the city. The girls who showed us around were lovely and seemed genuinely happy. We also visited one of the girls’ houses (I can’t remember the name of it) and it felt like a little community within the school, which my daughter really liked.
I was initially worried about the fees, but when I spoke to admissions they explained that they have a transition arrangement in place for families affected by the Durham High situation, so it’s worth asking the question if cost is a concern.
Obviously everyone has to make the right decision for their own child, but we came away feeling much more reassured than we expected to.

Durham School has beautiful grounds. It’s a lovely school. I’m guessing from what admissions told you that they expect a few DHS students

The press are not interested in another private school going down, otherwise this situation would never have been allowed to happen in the first place. The radio silence on the effect of VAT and the lies they have been to bring the policy in says it all.

This⬆️ Definitely make a plan B. It WILL quickly become your plan A. Parents are already getting their girls into other schools ready for September. I feel so sad for everyone concerned. The pupils, staff and parents. It’s such a shame.

This is the introduction to today's newsletter. Not sure how to interpret it

Thank you for all the messages of support to the staff and school. I apologise if I have not replied to everyone, and I will try to do so during the week. I have received a large number of calls and emails, and I am very grateful for your patience. I understand that this is difficult, and when I have any news, please be assured that I will share it with you all promptly.

That’s a very ambiguous introduction, isn’t it?

I’d not be sure how to interpret it either.

This sounds like they know it’s coming but can’t say anything. It’s not on for the kids, the staff or the parents.

The Head went down for a meeting with the Chinese before half term and has not been seen since. Galaxy Global Education have scarpered - their website is down (https://galaxyeducation.world/) and Nicholas Grenfell-Marten has resigned from the company on Companies House and disappeared off LinkedIn. The staff at DHS are as in the dark as the parents and don't know what it is going on. Supplier bills are not getting paid.

And meanwhile everyone is jumping ship because they now know that if it wasn’t sinking before - it certainly will now.

Disgraceful behaviour to leave staff, pupils and parents in this situation!

There is also word that there isn't money to pay the staff in July and August either.
I just don't understand why what on earth is happening can't be shared with the school and everyone connected to it.
If the staff are at risk of not being paid for July what incentive would everyone have being in the later part of the week until this is resolved and communicated. Although I am certain that the amazing staff would have the girls as their priority though.

I’d think some staff will have a good idea of the viability and what is imminent. The head (or acting head) I’m sure will know.

They are stuck whatever they do.

Say nothing and the uncertainty breeds worry and rumour.

Tell everyone, and risk parents panicking and pulling their kids out, which will hit income and accelerate any closure.

Totally agree.

Wonder if there will be news before the week ends.

I am a firm believer in all girls schools and sent my two to Durham High. They did well . I’m interested in the takes on local schools. I live near St Leonard’s and am not impressed with the parents who park on double yellow lines or stop in the middle of the road to pick up their precious little lambwith a major sense of entitlement. Not sure I would want my children to pick up that attitude.

All schools have that problem. I dont think you can extrapolate anything about the schools from that.

Why would anyone post a question like this on here, the damage this has caused from speculating instead of going into the school to see the deputy and making an informed decision. If it wasn’t going to close, I bet it is now due to the unnecessary rumours

Why would anyone post a question like this on here... instead of going into the school to see the deputy

Perhaps OP lacks faith that the school will tell the truth, the whole truth, and nothing but the truth in this situation?

I very much doubt the original poster didn’t ask the school first - the school won’t answer the question (which in itself speaks volumes)

The poster is worried, like everyone with children there, because no one will answer the question and term ends in 3 days!

Yet pretty much every school that has closed recently or is looking likely to close had been running at huge financial losses and falling numbers for at least a decade. The VAT may have been a final straw for some but clearly it merely brought forward the inevitable by a year or three. I'm afraid many schools have been mismanaged or buried their heads in the sand and hoped it would all go away.

I had to send a follow up email regarding my initial request for a visit. I then sent a email post visit with specific questions. A week later, no response.