Education School to close after a ‘difficult few years’ for sector
ABRISTOL prep school will be closing its doors at the end of the academic year. After 74 years operating as an independent primary school in Fishponds, Gracefield School has announced its closure on July 12.
Owners have said falling pupil numbers, the challenging economic outlook and pressures from the cost-of-living crisis has meant that it is no longer financially viable for the school to operate.
The school, in Overndale Road, has been educating four to 11-yearold children in Bristol since 1950.
It has been run by the current proprietors, Elizabeth and Ivan Morgan, since 2002. They said they had hoped to be able to hand over the school to new owners, but despite endeavours over a number of years, were unable to find a viable option that could secure the school’s future.
Mr Morgan said: “It is widely recognised that the last few years have
been very difficult for most independent schools across the UK. Navigating inflationary costs and continually reducing numbers of pupils is a significant challenge facing the entire education sector.
“The Covid pandemic put an additional burden on school budgets, however I am proud that Gracefield remained open to pupils throughout, in addition to offering an excellent remote service to all its pupils.”
Gracefield School currently has 65 children on roll and 18 members of staff supporting them in various roles. The owners said their key concern now is ensuring the wellbeing and future prospects of pupils and their families.
Mrs Morgan added: “We are working with local authorities and other independent schools so that parents can make the right choices for their children and we will be liaising with parents throughout the process.
“We are also fully committed to supporting our dedicated staff members during this period of transition and will do our utmost to assist them in securing new roles where they will continue to make a positive impact on the lives of young learners.”
The school has consistently been rated as ‘Good’ by Ofsted and praised for its pastoral care and nurturing nature. In the most recent Ofsted inspection in June 2023, Ofsted observed that: “Pupils are happy at Gracefield Preparatory School.
“Many of them use the word ‘fun’ when they describe school. They find learning ‘interesting and exciting.’ Pupils are very proud of their school and work hard.”