Dorset private school to close immediately after half-term

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 27 Oct, 16:38 · Archive

Leweston School near Sherborne will close with immediate effect and not reopen after half-term, with all 577 pupils offered places at other schools.

Leweston School, a private Catholic boarding school near Sherborne in Dorset founded in 1891, will close with immediate effect and not reopen after half-term. The school serves 577 pupils aged between two and 19 across nursery, preparatory, senior and sixth-form sections.

All pupils have been offered places from 2 November at other schools within the Inspired Learning Group, including Clayesmore School and Sunninghill Prep. The school stated: 'We are very sorry for what this means for our pupils, their families and our staff, and for how little notice we have been able to give.'

The closure was announced with minimal notice. Pupils were given no prior warning, and staff were informed only minutes before the letter was sent to parents. One family member described the decision as 'outrageous', noting that some pupils were in the middle of preparing university applications when the announcement was made.

In November 2025, Leweston announced a partnership with Concept Education and the Catholic Schools' Trust. At that time, chair of governors Ian Lucas said the partnership would bring additional expertise and investment to the school. Families with questions can contact parentsupport@inspiredlearninggroup.co.uk or Hugh Dickinson, chief executive of Concept Education.

How it is being reported

• Leweston School to close immediately as pupils offered places at other schoolsSchool will close immediately and not reopen after half-term, with 577 pupils offered places at Clayesmore or Sunninghill Prep from November 2.Dorset Echo · 27 Oct, 16:19
• 'It's outrageous' Dorset school to close with immediate effect after half-termStudents and staff at a Dorset school have been told it will close with immediate effect, with parents receiving a letter confirming it will not reopen after half-term.Bournemouth Echo · 27 Oct, 16:03

In this story: Leweston School · Inspired Learning Group · Clayesmore School · Sunninghill Prep · Sherborne · Dorset · Ian Lucas · Hugh Dickinson

This summary was written by AI from the headlines and standfirsts above, and states as fact only what at least two outlets report. How we use AI · Report a problem · Corrections log