Luton private school asks parents for donations to keep it open
An independent school in Luton that closed with just 30 minutes’ notice has asked parents if they would be willing to part with more cash to keep it open through the summer term.
Kings House Moorlands School, in Leagrave, shut its doors abruptly last month after sending an email to all staff and parents.
Now, accountants Mercer and Hole have been brought in as administrators to see what the future of the school looks like.
In a statement, the firm said: “We recognise the distress the school’s imminent closure will have on parents and students, particularly those preparing for their GCSE exams later this year.
“As administrators, there are two possible avenues open to us: liquidation or administration.”
A questionnaire sent to parents stated: “Would you be willing to make a financial donation to support the school and help it continue to operate during the summer term?”
Iraj Raza, whose daughter had attended the school, shared her thoughts about being asked to pay more.
She said: “The final question asking whether parents would be willing to contribute financially to keep the lower school open is particularly concerning.
“Without any meaningful information about the school’s financial position, it is impossible to seriously consider contributing additional funds.
“Parents have not been provided with transparency around the finances or any clear explanation of how the school was allowed to reach a point where it became financially unviable.
The accounting company said liquidation would mean the school stays closed, but administration would allow the school, or some parts, to open, in “the hope that a new buyer could be found” and to make sure the Year 11 students can sit their GCSE exams.
The Mercer and Hole representative said: “Administration is, however, significantly more expensive and with higher risks. To effectively manage an administration, we would need to secure additional funding to meet operational costs whilst a buyer is found.
“That is why we have written to parents to explain these options, to clarify that the current headmaster, Dr Cook, will not continue involvement in operations, and to explore their willingness to commit to paying school fees for the next term and possible donations.”