Luton private school in talks to keep some parts open after shock closure
An independent school in Luton is in discussions with its accountants after it closed last week with just 30 minutes’ notice.
King's House Moorlands School, on High Street, Leagrave, told parents via email at 4.30pm on Thursday afternoon (February 26) that it would be closing its doors for good at 5pm.
After days of uncertainty and speculation, a representative from the school management confirmed the situation is still “fluid”.
A spokesperson said: “Discussions are ongoing with the accountants who are looking at the possibility of ways to be able to keep the school open in some form.”
Staff, students and parents were blindsided when the fee-paying school closed due to alleged financial difficulties, leaving roughly 190 children without schooling and parents scrambling to secure placements.
The email sent out on Thursday stated: “A challenging economic backdrop and tax pressures on independent schools has seen numbers fall up and down the country.
“In our case, a growing number of parents have, over the past few months, struggled to pay fees. The amount owing to the school has therefore grown over this period, all of which has placed an unsustainable financial burden on King's House Moorlands.”
Safeena Khan’s son was meant to sit his GCSE English exams in two weeks’ time, and now has no idea what happens next.
She said: “We had half an hour after receiving the letter saying the school was shut, and that was it. If they were to come out and say, we have to close, because then explain the reasons… fine. We understand. But there was nothing like that… more questions than answers.”
Safeena claims parents were encouraged to pay for their fees upfront at the start of February.
An email from the school on February 6 stated: “King’s House School enhanced annual pay discount – As you know from previous years, during the Spring Term each year, there is a limited opportunity to pay next year’s fees at an ‘enhanced discount’ rate.”
The school management representative explained that refunds were being sorted out: “The bulk of the fees paid in advance for the next academic year have been repaid, and the remainder are being processed.”
Luton Borough Council is holding a meeting for affected families at Luton Central Library tonight (March 3) from 4pm to 5pm and on Thursday (March 5), from 9am to 10am.
This is a developing story and we will share more information as it becomes available.