Funding crisis for top independent school

The future of a top independent school in Stone is in doubt after a trustees group announced it is to withdraw funding.

St Dominic's Priory School in Station Road, which dates from 1900, could close at the end of the summer term in August.

Consulation with staff is already under way after the trustees of the English Dominican congregation decided to withdraw from involvement with the school at the end of the academic year.

The Catholic school has been hit by dwindling pupil numbers over the past 10 years. Numbers have fallen from 300 to 192.

Trustees spokesman Jim McDonnell said the school faces a projected income deficit for this year of around £140,000 to £150,000.

The school is open as normal but head Pat Adamson was not available for comment.

Trustees chairman Sister Pauline Burling, who is also chairman of the recently reconstituted governing body, said: "We understand that this decision will come as a shock to the whole school community, not least after the school has received such well deserved plaudits in the recent ISI inspection report.

"I have written personally to parents and guardians to explain the situation and how we will provide advice about the continuing education of the their children.

"In spite of strenuous efforts of our headteacher and her loyal staff, numbers of pupils have declined in recent years. This decline had meant the school is drawing on its reserves which are now almost depleted.

"In the current economic climate the congregation cannot subsidise the school."

She added: "Despite our efforts we have been unable to find new owners for the school and we do not have the substantial capital needed to make transferring ownership to a new trust a viable proposition."

Mr McDonnell said: "This annual deficit has been growing over the past several years. In addition, as the statement from the congregation makers clear, the congregation does not have the funds available to offer substantial capital investment.

"The school could not have carried on so far without the help of the congregation."

*l Last week it was revealed that another independent school in Stafford, Brooklands, which has 150 pupils, has been running at a loss of tens of thousands of pounds over the last two years. Four of the school's directors have resigned from the board of governors in just under 12 months and the head is to leave after seven years in the post.