Ruthin School, one of the oldest educational institutions in the UK, will not be welcoming back students after the end of term – leaving over 100 staff without jobs and 240 pupils searching for a new school
A historic UK school with 742 years of heritage is closing its doors permanently, leaving pupils in “tears”. Ruthin school, a co-educational boarding and day school in North Wales, will not reopen after the current term ends.
The announcement came from Chinese-owned Galaxy Global Education Group, which bought the school in early 2023. The group confirmed the closure of Durham High School on the same day.
More than 100 staff face redundancy, while parents of approximately 240 pupils have been left scrambling to find alternative schools for their children, reports North Wales Live.
Ruthin School was established in 1284 making it amongst the oldest educational establishments in the UK. It will enter financial administration when it shuts at the end of the summer term.
Despite its lengthy history and excellent academic standing, the school has proved unable to stay open, reports North Wales Live.
It was recently crowned the leading independent school in North Wales in The Sunday Times Parent Power Guide 2026 and featured amongst the UK’s top boarding schools in league tables produced by the Independent Schools Council.
Galaxy Global stated it was “profoundly sorry” and that the closure was “incredibly sad” for everyone associated with Ruthin School.
A spokesperson added: “Despite every effort to secure the school’s future, it has not been possible to establish a financially viable way forward.”
One mother from Ruthin school remarked: “It’s a high surprise to parents like me. We found out today at 4pm, and I have had a 12-year-old crying her eyes out all evening.”
Another parent, from Mold, stated: “It’s awful. Not sure how we are going to move forward. One going into year 11 and one going into year 7. We’re all shocked beyond belief and so, so sad.”
A parent of a Durham High pupil revealed: “The girls were advised to clear their lockers this afternoon.”
Fees were collected from families paying monthly yesterday morning, with the closure announcement arriving just hours afterwards.
“School closes today after 742 years, very sad for everyone. Best of luck to anyone in a similar situation.”
