Abingdon’s Private School Closure has sent shockwaves across Oxfordshire and beyond, marking the end of an institution that had stood for over 160 years. Our Lady’s Abingdon School (OLA), a respected Catholic independent school serving pupils aged 7 to 18, announced its sudden closure on 11 August 2025. For generations, OLA had been a cornerstone of faith-based education, but mounting financial pressures ultimately led to a decision that many feared yet hoped would never arrive.
A Legacy Spanning More Than a Century
Our Lady’s Abingdon was not just another independent school – it was a historic establishment with deep roots in the local community. Founded in the 19th century, the school carried a reputation for academic excellence, moral grounding, and a strong sense of community values. For countless families across Oxfordshire, OLA was more than a place of education; it was a second home where traditions were cherished and character was nurtured. Generations of pupils had walked its halls, many of them going on to lead successful careers while maintaining fond ties to their alma mater.
Yet, like many independent schools across the UK, OLA found itself grappling with shifting economic realities and policy changes that made survival increasingly difficult.
The Economic Pressures Leading to Closure
At the heart of Abingdon’s Private School Closure lies a series of financial challenges that proved insurmountable. The governors of OLA cited multiple factors that combined into a perfect storm:
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VAT on Private School Fees – The UK government’s decision to impose a 20% VAT on independent school fees significantly increased the cost for parents. Many families who once comfortably afforded private education suddenly found it financially unsustainable.
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Higher National Insurance Contributions – Rising employment costs hit the school’s budget hard, as staff salaries and pensions became increasingly expensive to maintain.
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Loss of Business Rates Relief – The removal of business rates relief for independent schools created another financial burden, draining resources that were once available for reinvestment in facilities and programs.
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General Cost of Living and Operational Pressures – Like every institution, OLA was not immune to inflation, rising energy bills, and growing maintenance expenses.
Individually, these challenges may have been manageable. Together, however, they created a financial weight too heavy for even a long-standing and reputable school to bear.
Top Alternative Private Schools Near Abingdon After OLA’s Closure in 2025
1. St Helen & St Katharine (SHSK)
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Type: Independent day school for girls, ages 9–18.
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Key Features:
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Strong academic record and vibrant intellectual atmosphere.
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Offers bursaries up to 100% of fees from Year 7 onwards, based on financial need.
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Shared sixth-form classes and extracurricular collaborations with nearby Abingdon School.
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2. Abingdon School
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Type: Independent school for boys (becoming co-educational from 2026), ages 11–18.
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Key Features:
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One of the UK’s oldest and most prestigious schools, founded in 1256.
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Offers both day and boarding options, along with exceptional academics and extracurricular programs.
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3. Abingdon Preparatory School
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Type: Independent preparatory school, co-educational, ages 4–13.
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Key Features:
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Located in Frilford, just outside Abingdon.
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Part of the respected Abingdon Foundation.
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Rated “Excellent” by the Independent Schools Inspectorate for educational standards and pupil progress.
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4. Radley College
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Type: Independent full boarding school for boys, ages 13–18.
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Key Features:
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Known for its sprawling 800-acre grounds, strong academics, and character-driven ethos.
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Entrance via ISEB Common Pre-Test.
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Offers a wide curriculum, including EPQ (Extended Project Qualification) and Pre-U programs.
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5. Kingham Hill School
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Type: Co-educational boarding and day school, ages 11–18.
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Key Features:
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Set in the picturesque Cotswolds countryside in Kingham, Oxfordshire.
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Established in 1886, now part of the Dean Close Foundation (as of May 2025).
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Excellent facilities and a caring community ethos.
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6. Wychwood School
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Type: Girls’ private day and boarding school, ages 11–18.
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Key Features:
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Located in Oxford; co-educational within a girls’ school framework.
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Member of the Girls’ Schools Association with a solid academic reputation.
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Choosing the Right Fit
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For Girls (9–18): St Helen & St Katharine offers focused academics plus bursary support; Wychwood is an equally strong choice, though situationally farther in Oxford.
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For Boys (and soon Co-ed): Abingdon School is prestigious and accessible; Radley College provides a boarding-rich environment with expansive extracurriculars.
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For Younger Children (4–13): Abingdon Prep ensures a strong foundation within the same educational foundation as Abingdon School.
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For Mixed-Gender/Country Boarding: Kingham Hill offers co-ed boarding/day in a pastoral, countryside setting.
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Considering Financial Support? St Helen & St Katharine stands out with bursaries up to full fee coverage
Falling Pupil Numbers: The Tipping Point
Perhaps the most devastating consequence of these rising costs was the sharp decline in pupil numbers. Families, squeezed by the cost-of-living crisis and higher school fees, began to look elsewhere – some moving their children into the state sector, while others opted for more affordable independent alternatives.
For a school like OLA, where enrolment is the lifeblood of financial stability, this sudden drop in student numbers left little room for recovery. Despite its strong heritage and quality education, OLA could not withstand the dual pressure of fewer pupils and soaring costs.
Attempts to Save the School
The closure was not a decision made lightly. Governors and trustees explored every possible avenue to keep the school running. Reports suggest that options such as mergers, acquisitions, and alternative funding models were actively pursued. Unfortunately, no sustainable solution emerged.
Parents, staff, and alumni campaigned passionately for the survival of OLA, but the financial deficit was too large to bridge. In the end, the decision to close was presented as the only viable path forward.
Impact on Families and Staff
The abrupt announcement left hundreds of families scrambling to find new placements for their children just weeks before the new academic year. For parents, the emotional toll was as heavy as the logistical one. Moving children to new schools, adapting to different curriculums, and losing the sense of continuity that OLA provided has proven challenging.
Staff members, many of whom dedicated decades of their lives to the institution, now face redundancy. While efforts are being made to support their transitions, the loss of stable employment in a trusted community is a heavy blow.
Abingdon’s Private School Closure in 2025 was driven by rising costs, VAT on fees, loss of tax reliefs, and falling pupil numbers, making it impossible for the historic institution to remain financially sustainable.
A Reflection on Independent Schools in the UK
The closure of OLA is not an isolated event but part of a wider trend facing independent schools across the country. Rising costs and changing government policies are forcing many smaller schools – especially those with religious or charitable foundations – to reconsider their futures. While elite institutions with vast endowments may weather the storm, mid-sized schools without significant financial reserves face greater vulnerability.
This shift has sparked a broader debate: should education be treated purely as a private service, subject to taxation like luxury goods, or is there a case to preserve affordable access to independent schooling for families who seek an alternative to state provision?