Pupils 'hugely distressed' over school's future
GoogleParents say their children have been left "hugely distressed" due to uncertainty over whether their school will reopen after the summer holidays.
Families say they have been "left in the dark" about the future of Durham High School, with concerns growing that it could close before the start of the new academic year.
Earlier this month a school in Worcestershire, also owned by Galaxy Global, announced its closure earlier this month.
A spokesperson for Durham High School said: "We are aware of speculation regarding the future of Durham High School. No decisions have been formally announced and we do not comment on speculation."
One parent said: "My own daughter is currently halfway through A levels and, as you can imagine, is hugely distressed at the uncertainty about where she might be studying in September.
"We are now in the situation that school closes on Friday for the summer and neither staff nor students know if it will reopen in September."
Another said: "Parents are left in the dark.
"Many are going to open days this week at other schools specifically laid on for Durham High School pupils – Newcastle High School for Girls, Durham School and Yarm School.
"What should have been a happy last week at school has meant the classrooms will be empty as pupils are desperately looking around other schools for next year."
Last year the independent school announced a decision to move from single-sex to teaching boys, describing it as part of "exciting plans for its future".
The school, which received the Sunday Times Independent Secondary School of the Year (North East) award in December 2024, is owned and operated by Durham Education Limited, part of the Chinese-owned Galaxy Global Education Group, the Local Democracy Reporting Service reports.
The spokesperson for the school said: "Should there be any significant developments regarding the school's future, our priority will be to communicate directly with pupils, parents and staff before making any public statement."
