Since announcing the proposed closure of AESG in February earlier this year, the Board and School Senior Leadership Team have continued to consider every possible option for the School’s future whilst also supporting pupils and staff.
The proposed closure was announced because the School is facing severe financial pressure. Pupil numbers have fallen steadily for several years, with 100 pupils lost in the last two years alone – contributing to a critical drain on cash reserves. This decline has significantly reduced income and impacted operational budgets. At the same time, the School has faced major cost increases, including higher operating costs, the introduction of VAT on school fees, the loss of business rates relief, and increased National Insurance contributions.
In response, the School made substantial cost savings over a number of years, explored restructuring options and actively pursued potential buyers and educational partners. Unfortunately, none of these efforts resulted in a viable long-term solution and, despite every effort, the School was forced to announce its closure at the end of the 2025/26 academic year.
The proposed closure was announced in February to give staff and pupils as much time as possible to secure new roles and alternative school places. Since then, the Board has worked closely with a parent group to explore possible alternatives for the School’s future. The Board is grateful for the time and commitment the parent group has given in seeking a different way forward. Over the past few months, we have worked with them to assess potential options.
We would love nothing more than for AESG to continue and thrive, and no one wanted the School to be in this position. However, after careful review and extensive discussion, the Board has concluded that the proposal put forward by the parent group is not viable. It depends on unconfirmed funding, a prep school only model from September 2026, the sale of School assets, timely and speculative planning approvals, ambitious growth in pupil numbers in a highly challenging local market, ongoing operations being supported by unconfirmed future donations, continued trading losses for at least three years, and contained inadequate safeguarding, staffing and governance arrangements.
Alongside these discussions, the Board also recently engaged with a potential educational partner, introduced by the parent rescue group with a view to taking over the School. Unfortunately, that party promptly communicated its decision not to proceed.
The closure of the School is devastating for the whole Alderley Edge community, and the last few months have been incredibly difficult, especially for our wonderful pupils and staff. Our priority remains to support pupils, families and staff through the rest of the academic year and to ensure as smooth a transition as possible for September 2026.
Some parent communications related to the closure process have been added to the website for information. Please click on the attachments below:
Important Announcement on the Future of Alderley Edge School for Girls
Q&A For Parents
Summer Term Preparation for Students in Years 10 & 12
Interim Funding Confirmed
Update on Closure Planning
Further information regarding School Closure (8 June 2026)
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