UK private school future is uncertain after sudden closure

It is now almost a year since parents at Our Lady’s Abingdon in Radley Road were sent letters informing them the school had closed for good and would not be reopening.

More than 300 families were left with a very short time to find their sons and daughters new schools.

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The Our Lady’s buildings and grounds are now up for sale, despite hopes they could continue to be used for educational purposes.

The school is being marketed for sale by commercial real estate company Newmark, with the sale price “subject to offer” and this could include the use of the site for residential purposes.

The school was forced to close permanently for financial reasons, according to its governors, who sent letters to parents in August last year alerting them to the shocking news.

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.”

However, Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran indicated last month that hopes remain among some residents that the buildings could be used again for education.

Oxford West and Abingdon MP Layla Moran (Image: Contributed)

She said: “I recently met with a group of local residents and parishioners who wish to re-establish the site as an educational facility and open the site up for use by community groups.

“I am supportive of the group’s proposals as the reintroduction of educational provisions and access for community use will offer ongoing social value to Abingdon and the local community.”

The group has not yet gone public and it is not known whether it has yet made any formal offer to buy or obtain access to the site and its facilities.

Highlights of the site, according to Newmark’s sale prospectus, include the opportunity to acquire the 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); site 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)

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

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.”

The institute has been asked for further comment.