Queen Margaret’s School, an independent boarding and day school for girls aged 11 to 18 in Escrick, North Yorkshire, is to close at the end of the summer term on 5 July and has also filed a Notice to Appoint an Administrator.

The school was established in 1901.

On the school’s website the chair of the board of governors Terry Burt wrote: “Despite the tireless efforts of the School and the Board we, like many independent schools, have been unable to withstand mounting financial pressures following the introduction of VAT on school fees, increased national insurance and pension contributions, the removal of charitable-status business rates relief, and rising costs for the upkeep and operation of our estate.

“Over the past 18 months, the Board has worked hard to respond to these challenges, proactively managing resources, introducing energetic new leadership, and expanding our marketing efforts. Supported by experienced advisors, we also undertook a strategic review of our funding options and pursued every possible avenue in a search for fresh investment. This included a possible merger or sale of the School that led to advanced discussions with several interested parties. Unfortunately, none of these routes resulted in a successful outcome for Queen Margaret’s.

“While we experienced strong student enquiry levels during the autumn, these declined sharply in early 2025 following the implementation of VAT. We have continued to monitor developments closely and kept our forecasts under constant review. Unfortunately, our enrolment for September 2025 is below the viable level required to keep the school open beyond the current academic year. This, taken together with our efforts to secure fresh investment proving unsuccessful, means we have been left with no alternative but to close the School. The School is unable to meet the costs of closure, and it is for this reason it has filed a Notice to Appoint an Administrator.”

Burt continued: “Our priority is the wellbeing of our pupils, their families and all of our incredible teaching staff, and we are committed to ensuring as smooth a transition as possible for everyone.  We will work closely with every family to achieve the best possible solution for every pupil and will provide ongoing support to all members of staff. Education and the day-to-day running of the School, including external exams, will continue as normal until the end of the summer term. Sports Day, Art Exhibition, Speech Day and the Leavers’ Ball will all go ahead as planned.”