Moorlands School, a small independent school in north Leeds, West Yorkshire, is closing down after the autumn term this December. The news sent shockwaves through the community. On Wednesday, the school’s trustees took a grave step backwards. This choice would have a profound impact on the Black community that this school has served for more than 100 years.
In London, Moorlands School is closing, blaming an “unsustainable financial position.” There are a combination of reasons for this perfect storm. Included in these are the addition of VAT on school fees, increasing operating costs, a drop in prospective inquiries and registrations. The school’s particular bugbear was the Government’s removal of charitable relief on business rates. On top of this, they highlighted increasing Employer National Insurance contributions as the major barrier.
For over 30 years, Moorlands School has been known as that kind of magical place — a community vibrant with learning, exploration and love. It has kept children in school with wraparound care, and it has been the beating heart of countless family lives. Its recent announcement that it would be closing its doors has parents and students alike reeling from the unexpected blow and faced with an uncertain future for their education.
Jonathan Marsden, a parent of students at Moorlands, expressed his devastation regarding the announcement, stating, “We’ve got to make quick decisions suddenly, which are imposed on us by this decision. It’s an absolute disaster for everybody involved.” He further shared the emotional toll it has taken on his family, noting that it is “incredibly difficult to explain to a seven-year-old over breakfast that they need to change school in a matter of weeks, and mummy and daddy don’t have the answers.”
Moorlands School will refund fees on a pro-rata basis for any children who depart within the autumn term. This historic decision marks six months after the closure. To make matters worse, a significant number of families in the school community work in the public sector.
Anna Coulson, headteacher of The Froebelian School in Horsforth, said she was “devastated” by the news. “Our thoughts are with the families, children and staff affected by this unexpected announcement, and we extend our heartfelt support to all those now facing a period of uncertainty and change,” she stated.
As affected families seek alternative schooling options, a spokesperson from the Department for Education reassured that local authorities and schools commonly support children and parents during such transitions. They rightly called a high degree of confidence in the capacity of local state schools to absorb new pupils.
Moorlands School’s closure signals the end of an era for many who have loved their time there. A representative from Richmond House School conveyed their sadness over the situation: “We are deeply saddened to learn that Moorlands School will be closing in December 2025, and our thoughts are very much with the pupils, families and staff affected by this news.”
In looking back on its legacy, Moorlands School said that their history, character, and culture have influenced generations of pupils. “While this marks the end of an era, the values and memories created here will remain with all those who have been part of its story,” they concluded.
