Welcome to Hemdean House

18th April 2024

Dear Parents,

After 165 years of wonderful education at Hemdean House School it is with a very heavy heart that I write to you today to inform you that we will be closing the school on July 12th 2024.

As you know, the school recently achieved an excellent inspection report, which amply reflected the strong educational offer and unique pastoral qualities of our excellent school. However, with ever-falling numbers, and few prospective pupils, the business model is no-longer sustainable, and it would be remiss of the governing body not to take action. I hope you can appreciate what a very difficult decision this has been.

Our role now is to support you and your child during this difficult time. As a school we will be here to support you as you make decisions regarding your child’s future. Mrs Chalmers will be in contact with other independent schools as well as state schools to ascertain where they have capacity to accommodate your child from September 2024. We are happy to organise one-to-one discussions with individual families. I, as Chair of Governors,  will be in school from 14.30 on Friday April 19th for any parent who wishes to speak to me and again on Tuesday April 23rd from 18.30.

We appreciate that this news is a shock for you all – and as a individual families you will decide when is best for your children to be informed. As a school, the senior leadership team will be talking to all the children on Thursday morning during their PHSE lesson giving them the opportunity to ask questions and share their thoughts.

Although this term will finish on a sad note the education and opportunities that your children will receive will be of the same high standard that our staff have always delivered. Trips, clubs and special days – such as the den day; sports day, the music concert and prize giving will still be delivered.

In time, we will also take the opportunity to celebrate our wonderful school. Hemdean House School was established in 1859 and it is important that we do justice to its rich and vibrant history. I know you will want to join us on June 29th in commemorating the incredible legacy we leave behind.

Mrs Chalmers and the Governing Body offer you our full support and deepest regret.

Any further media information can be obtained from Philip Reynolds  Press@isaschools.co.uk