Image from Kilgraston’s Facebook page

Kilgraston School in Perthshire will close permanently later this month, The Daily Record has reported.

The Catholic boarding and day school, established in 1930, will cease operations at the end of the current school term on 24 June. The school roll is 217 and it employs 116 staff.

Thomas Steuart Fothringham, chairman of the board of trustees, said: “This has been an extremely challenging and heartbreaking decision. However, having considered and pursued all other alternatives we are, for reasons of financial viability, left with no alternative.

“The loss of income resulting from Covid-19 lockdowns; the effect of lengthy travel restrictions on the international boarding market; continuing decline in boarding demand generally; the resultant erosion of our cash reserves; and, finally, a number of pupil departures during the course of this year mean that we can no longer continue to trade responsibly beyond the end of this term.

“At this point, we have three priorities: the welfare of staff, the welfare of pupils; and assistance for parents in finding places for their children at other schools. We will do all we can to help ensure a smooth transition for all affected.

“We are very sorry not to be able to continue operating a school that is close to all our hearts.”