Historic Queen Margaret’s School for Girls Closes, Property for Sale

Queen Margaret’s School for Girls, a prestigious educational institution in York, has officially closed its doors and is now up for sale. The decision follows the school’s entry into administration earlier this year, prompted by government-imposed tax increases that significantly impacted its financial viability. The school, which was the alma mater of the Duchess of Kent, announced its closure in June 2023, citing a combination of low pupil enrolment and insufficient funding.

The institution, which had operated for an impressive 125 years, faced challenges attributed to the introduction of VAT on school fees, which exceeded £49,000 annually. Rising operational costs, including increased national insurance contributions, the removal of charitable business rates relief, and overall maintenance expenses, contributed to the decision to cease operations. In a statement, the school expressed its regret, noting that it had explored “every possible avenue” to sustain its operations.

Sale of the Historic Property

The Grade II-listed site, located six miles from York in Escrick, is now on the market for £5 million. This includes 39 acres of land, extensive sports facilities, and several additional buildings. The property consultancy handling the sale, Sanderson Weatherall, anticipates that the site could be developed for various uses, including residential, leisure, and care facilities.

Neil Bestwick, a partner in the Asset Advisory and Recovery division at Sanderson Weatherall, stated, “We are exploring the potential for a resurrected education-based use but also expect to see expressions of interest for alternative uses.” He emphasized that the property represents “an important piece of real estate.”

Originally founded in 1901, Queen Margaret’s offered private education to girls aged 11 to 18 and counted notable figures among its alumni, such as novelist Winifred Holtby and businesswoman Amanda Staveley. The school began in Scarborough before moving to Escrick Hall in 1949, which it purchased from the Forbes Adam family in the 1970s. The estate itself has a rich history, with origins tracing back to the mid-12th century.

Broader Implications for Private Education

The closure of Queen Margaret’s is part of a troubling trend for private educational institutions in the UK. Other schools, such as Gilling Castle near York, have also ceased operations, with Gilling Castle set to be converted into retirement apartments following its closure by Ampleforth College in 2018. Similarly, St Anselm’s School in Derbyshire, once celebrated as the “best in Britain” by Tatler, shut down earlier this year, citing “unrelenting headwinds” due to the government’s tax policies.

As financial pressures continue to mount, it is likely that more private schools may face similar fates in the near future. The combination of higher taxes and declining enrolment rates presents significant challenges for these institutions, leading to an uncertain future for private education in the UK.

Those interested in acquiring the former Queen Margaret’s School property can reach out to Neil Bestwick, Andrew Ellis, or Henry Tyrrell at Sanderson Weatherall for further information at 0113 221 6000 or visit their website at www.sw.co.uk.