The historic independent school will not reopen for next year due to ‘financial challenge’ after educating thousands of pupils since operating as a school
A historic UK school opened in 1415 closed at the end of this school year after ‘financial challenge’.
The independent school educated pupils aged between 11 and 18 for hundreds of years but will not reopen again.
Stoke College, in Stoke-by-Clare, Suffolk was a fee-paying school that charged up to £19,662 a year for day students and £38,421 for boarding pupils.
The historic site dates back through centuries of religious use, with it originating as a religious college in 1415 and operating as a school since 1954.
However, on July 22, 2026 liquidators were appointed, according to The Gazette.
A statement from Stoke College said: “The school will not operate beyond the end of the summer term and does not intend to reopen for the 2026–27 academic year.”
The school claimed that the introduction of VAT on school fees created financial pressure for the establishment.
This VAT was introduced by the government in order to help pay for more state school teachers in England.
The news of its closure came as a shock to many as it was advertising for new admissions and held an open morning in May.
The latest publicly available financial documents for Cambridge Stoke College Ltd show an after-tax loss of £1.6m for 2024.
The school said that “the removal of business rates relief, rising employment costs and increasing operational expenditure” also added to its challenges.
In November 2019 Stoke College was bought by new owners.
Announcing the closure, the school said: “The immediate priority is to support students, families and staff through this transition and to ensure continuity of education for every child.”
Stoke College added that it would be working with nearby independent schools to help and secure spots for pupils.
Principal Kim Terrar said: “This is an incredibly sad day for everyone connected with Stoke College.
“While we do not yet know what the future holds for this beautiful site, my focus now is on finding the best way forward for our incredible students and staff.”
At its time of closure on July 1, the school taught 119 pupils according to Companies House.
Joe Whiley of Insolvency Direct Ltd has been appointed liquidator.
