Closed UK private school announcement on future plans

Our Lady’s Abingdon, in Radley Road, was forced to close permanently for financial reasons, according to its governors, who sent letters to parents in August alerting them to the news.

The Statement of Affairs submitted to Companies House revealed Our Lady’s Abingdon Trustees Ltd racked up debts of £1,555,596 owed to 121 company creditors.

READ MORE: Closed UK private school sells off equipment

Security measures were put in place to protect the buildings and the owners, the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy. were understood to be discussing the sale of the buildings and the site.

Now it is being marketed for sale by commercial real estate company Newmark, with the sale price “subject to offer”.

Our Lady’s Abingdon (Image: Contributed)

Newmark says there is an “opportunity to acquire the freehold interest of a former school in a sought-after location with potential for redevelopment, subject to planning permission.”

Highlights, according to the sale prospectus, include the opportunity to acquire a former school and associated land (Use Class F1) with potential for redevelopment; extensive and attractive grounds and playing fields; combined total Gross Internal Area (GIA) of approximately 105,710 sq ft (9,817 sqm); ite area of c. 9.10 acres including a separate playing field and drop-off/parking of 5.6 acres; freehold offered with vacant possession.

The Newmark online sales page adds that the site is located in an affluent, sought after location with strong demand for independent schools.

It says: “Potential for alternative uses including redevelopment for residential, care, retirement or retail subject to the necessary consents.”

Our Lady’s Abingdon (Image: Contributed)

At the end of last year, a team of liquidators hired auctioneers Wyles Hardy to sell school equipment including the school’s fleet of minibuses.

A statement from Wyles Hardy said earlier: “Following sustained financial pressures and the recent introduction of VAT on school fees pupil numbers declined significantly, leading to the school’s closure in August 2025.

“Acting on behalf of the appointed insolvency practitioners we delivered specialist valuation, marketing and asset disposal services as part of the process.

“Our instruction covered a broad and diverse asset base across multiple departments, including design and technology, domestic science and music, as well as plant and machinery, grounds care equipment and the school’s fleet of minibuses.”

A spokesperson for the Institute of Our Lady of Mercy said in March: “Over the last six months, following the handover of the site from the liquidator, we have been working diligently to both clear and secure the Our Lady’s Abingdon site, as well as reflect on how best the site can be used moving forward.

“Meetings are ongoing about the site’s future, taking into account our obligations as a charity, and we are hopeful to be in a position to share more information in the early part of the summer.”  

Following the closure announcement, schools across the county rallied to find places for more than 300 pupils.

Some pupils switched to schools in Abingdon while others are now attending schools in other parts of Oxfordshire.

In November, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran wrote to education secretary Bridget Phillipson, urging the Department for Education to do more to protect families affected by sudden school closures.

Ms Moran said at the time: “Going forwards, there must be earlier dialogue between the local authorities and schools to ensure that pupils and parents’ interests are the number one priority.

The Institute of Our Lady of Mercy has been asked for further comment.