School is left ‘devastated’ by decision to shut
A SCHOOL that has been run by the same family for more than a century is to close this summer.
Ramillies Hall School in Cheadle Hulme announced the news earlier this week, saying the decision to shut was ‘devastating’.
It comes just weeks after Ofsted inspectors published a report rating it ‘inadequate’ for the second time in three years.
School bosses say the watchdog’s findings did play a part in the decision to close, but said dwindling student numbers in recent years and competition from both independent and state schools locally left them with ‘no other option’.
The school said in a statement: “It is with an extremely heavy heart that we have decided that Ramillies Hall School will close at the end of the summer term on July 5, 2019.
“This has been a devastating decision to make, knowing the impact it will have on our pupils, their families and our staff, but with increased local competition from both independent and state schools, and the recent ‘Inadequate’ Ofsted rating, we feel that this is now our only option.
“This has been an incredibly difficult time for all at Ramillies, but we are committed to the continuation and development of our Ramillies Hall Nursery.”
Ramillies Hall School specialises in supporting children with learning disabilities such as dyslexia and dyspraxia, as well as those who suffer with anxiety.
According to the recent Ofsted report, it has just 47 pupils aged between five and 16, despite having a capacity for 200.
Marketing manager Suzi Ashcroft-Batty described the school as ‘incredibly special’.
“It’s such a nurturing environment,” she said.
“The staff really take the time to help pupils.
“Children who were told they wouldn’t get any GCSEs have come to us and left with those GCSEs.
“But, we are fortunate to have some amazing state schools in the area, and they are doing a great job with SEN and Ramillies just can’t compete.
“That’s why the family has taken the decision to close and focus on the nursery, which is almost full.”
Suzi said that the school’s main priority now was to find suitable alternative placements for its pupils, particularly those due to begin year 11 in September.
Last year, it was reported that students sitting their GCSEs at Ramillies Hall would be allowed to listen to music during their exams to help them cope with stress.
The Beatles, Oasis and Ed Sheeran were some of the artists featured on their exam playlists.