A Bath prep school is to close, with rising costs imposed by the government said to be a contributory factor.
The Royal High Prep School at Weston Park East | Photo © Bath Echo
Royal High School Bath, part of the Girls’ Day School Trust (GDST) – the UK’s largest educational charity – announced the decision in a letter to parents earlier this week, and issued a press release last night.
The separate Prep School site at Cranwell House in Weston will close at the end of July.
More than 100 private schools have now reportedly closed since Labour took power with the promise to levy 20% VAT on fees.
In her letter to parents, Royal High headteacher Heidi-Jayne Boyes said: “After careful consideration in partnership with the GDST Executive Team, and following a detailed review, I have decided that Royal High Bath, GDST will become one school, on one site.
“From September 2026 Years 5 and 6 will move to the Senior School. creating a bridge as they prepare to move into Year 7 and into Key Stage 3, with their own dedicated learning spaces and classroom teachers.
“These students will share the wide-ranging facilities, specialist teaching and enriched opportunities within a truly through-school setting at Royal High School Bath, on Lansdown Road.
“We have made the difficult decision to close the Prep School site including provision for pupils in Nursery to Year 4. This means that at the end of the summer term in July 2026, Nursery to Year 4 will close.
“This has not been an easy decision. Royal High School Bath, as with all independent schools, has faced increasing costs with the introduction of VAT on school fees, removal of business rates relief and an increase in employer National Insurance contributions.
“Over time, our cost base has risen faster than pupil numbers, coupled with a decline in birth rates nationally, which means market dynamics are rapidly changing.
“To put the school in the best position possible to adapt to these new market conditions, moving to one site and starting from Year 5 will allow us to reduce overheads, invest in areas that will have the greatest positive impact for our students and ensure the future of Royal High School Bath as we move into the next 150 years of our future.”
“Bringing all students together on one site, as with many other GDST and independent schools, will deliver significant educational and pastoral benefits.
“Locating Years 5 and 6 alongside the Senior School will allow us to offer a cohesive middle school programme that strengthens progression, builds confidence and ensures a smooth transition into the senior years.
“It will also give our younger students access to specialist facilities and teaching earlier, while enabling our older students to take part in enrichment, mentoring, leadership and shared learning experiences with them.”
The Royal High’s Junior School moved from Lansdown Road, at the former Bath High School site, to the Grade II listed Victorian mansion Cranwell House in 2014, before becoming the Royal High Prep School in 2019.
In its press release the school spoke of “a significant and forward-looking development in its provision for girls aged 9–18.”
It said: “This move positions Royal High Bath as the only school in the region offering a fully unified, specialist girls’ education from Year 5 to Year 13 and deepens our commitment to outstanding all-girls teaching, learning, wellbeing and leadership development – something the school has been recognised for throughout its 150-year-long history.
“Royal High Bath, GDST remains fully committed to supporting families and staff throughout the transition period and ensuring continuity of high-quality education until the end of the 2025–26 academic year.”
Imogen Pudduck, chair of governors and former student of Royal High Bath, is quoted, saying: “As an alumna, I know first-hand how transformative a Royal High education can be.
“This is an affirmative and ambitious move that strengthens our identity as a school designed for girls. This decision safeguards the future of the school and enhances the experience for generations of girls to come.
“More than ever, the world is a tough place for women. This move forms part of our mission to help girls live a life without limits.”
The Royal School, founded in 1865, and Bath High School, founded 10 years later, merged in 1998.
The school’s website reveals that a full-day session at the nursery costs £78.10 a day (term-time only) and £73.10 a day all year-round.
Day fees (including VAT) start from £14,501.03 a year, rising to £20,557.15 for the sixth form.
