Private school in Trafford to close due to 'unprecedented financial challenges' and declining pupil numbers

A private school in Trafford has announced it is to close at the end of the current academic year as it is 'no longer viable.' Loreto Preparatory School in Altrincham is an independent Catholic primary school for girls aged from three to 11.

It was historically part of the neighbouring Loreto Grammar School but in 1972 moved to its current site on Dunham Road and became established as a separate school with its own governing body.

The school which is run under the trusteeship of the Loreto Sisters, and where yearly fees are currently £2,750 per term, has 120 pupils. However, they will now have to find places at alternative schools after bosses announced it would be closing its doors for good at the end of the current academic year.

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The trustees said they were facing 'unprecedented financial challenges' and that coupled with a decline in student numbers meant the school was no longer financially viable.

In a statement school bosses said they were 'extremely saddened and upset' at having to take the decision but that their priority was now supporting students during the 'unsettling' time.

“We, as Trustees and Proprietor of Loreto Preparatory School, are all extremely saddened and upset at having had to make this tough decision to close our wonderful school at the end of this academic year" the statement issued by the school said.

"The school is facing unprecedented financial challenges which is due in part to the impact of the pandemic and the current economic climate, and following external advice, we have determined that the school is no longer viable, based on the decline in student numbers.

"Our priority now is to support our pupils, their families and our colleagues over the next few weeks and months, to make sure that they are looked after as best we can during this unsettling period.”

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